Chechnya: relatives of combatant in Syria hope for lenient sentence

Chechnya has begun trying Said Mazhaev, a resident of Grozny, accused of involvement in warfare in Syria. After the first session, the court appointed the continuation for November 7. Mazhaev’s relatives expect that the court will take extenuating circumstances into account at sentencing.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Mazhaev went to Syria in November 2013, and until January 14, was among the ranks of local militants. Upon his return home, Said was detained and gave a confession to investigators. His relatives emphasize that he got was disappointed in his views on the events in Syria and returned home voluntarily.

The fact that Mazhaev has pled guilty was confirmed by a source from Chechen investigating authorities.

The majority of Chechen residents questioned by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent refer negatively to the participation of Chechen natives in the war in the territory of Syria. They believe that the war is being waged in the interests of the West and is a common struggle for power among various groupings in this country.

Any war is primarily death and destruction, a representative of the local clergy named Umar has stated.