Dagestani SC overturns acquittal of doctor Gunashev accused of links with militants

As reported today by the "Kommersant", without specifying its source, the Supreme Court (SC) of Dagestan has sent for retrial the case of a doctor Marat Gunashev, accused of involvement in illegal armed formations (IAFs).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Marat Gunashev, a doctor from a Makhachkala hospital, was detained on November 28, 2012, under the murder case of the head of the local GUVD (City Interior Department). Gunashev's case was sent to the court in late January 2014; it was considered under the article of IAF participation (part 2 of Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code). He refused to plead guilty and treated all the allegations as groundless. On May 6, the Soviet District Court of Makhachkala acquitted and released Gunashev.

According to the indictment, Gunashev and his colleague Shamil Gasanov had taken an oral obligation to provide medical assistance to militants. The main argument, confirming Gunashev's involvement, was his participation in the surgery on wounded Ibragim Gadjidadaev – the alleged leader of the "Gimry" grouping.

The Prosecutor's Office objected to the acquittal and appealed to the SC of Dagestan, asking to pay attention to witnesses' testimonies. The SC's Collegium for Criminal Cases upheld the objection and sent the case for retrial to the same district court, but by other judges, the "Kommersant" has reported today.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.