In North Ossetia, advocates express different opinions on case against Islam Kubachiev

Advocates, who are not involved in the case against Islam Kubachiev, accused of involvement in illegal armed formations (IAFs), have expressed different opinions concerning the positive characteristics of the defendant presented to the court and the statement of witness that refutes the investigators' arguments on the involvement of the young man in the IAF.

Advocate Kazbek Khutinaev suggests that the above characteristics will not influence sentencing. Meanwhile, advocate Djabrail Gabachiev believes that the characteristics can be recognized a mitigating circumstance; however, courts tend to tighten penalties in such cases, and, thus, the court may pronounce a harsh sentence.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Supreme Court (SC) of North Ossetia holds court hearings on the case against Islam Kubachiev, a 19-year-old resident of the village of Kizlyar of the Mozdok District. The young man is accused of acts of banditry, illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices. On June 11, the SC held the first court hearing on the merits. The defendant has pleaded not guilty.

During the trial, the defence witnesses stated they used to know Islam Kubachiev only from his good side. After finishing school in 2011, Islam Kubachiev entered the SOGPI (North-Ossetian State Pedagogical Institute) and became a full-time student of the Physical Education Department. He used to be fond of freestyle wrestling. This was stated by his mentor Nelya Daueva. According to her, after the second academic year, Islam Kubachiev transferred to the correspondence department. He explained his decision by the fact that he wanted to work and help his mother.

See earlier reports: "Dagestani court acquits and sets free doctor Gunashev accused of contacts with militants", "KBR resident to stand trial on charges of IAF involvement", "Dagestani native suspected of involvement in IAFs in Syria".