Defendants in case of explosion in Sheikh al-Chirkawi's house plead not guilty

In the case of the terror act committed in the house of Sheikh Said Afandi al-Chirkawi, two defendants have refused to plead guilty in the course of the today's interrogation in the Supreme Court (SC) of Dagestan.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Dagestani residents Shikhmirza Labazanov, Magomedali Amirkhanov, and Magomed Gadjiev are accused of training Aminat Saprykina, who committed suicide bombing in the Sheikh's house, under Article "Terrorism". Besides, they are charged under Articles of banditry and arms trafficking. Akhmed Israpilov, the fourth defendant, is charged with banditry, arms trafficking, and kidnapping for ransom.

In his testimony, Shikhmirza Labazanov spoke in detail about his life, about the circumstances of his meeting with Dagestani kadi Magomed Suleimanov, his entry into the "Jamaat", its structure and role of each member in it. Shikhmirza Labazanov has also stated that he defamed Akhmed Israpilov in the course of investigation, since he "received threats".

Defendant Magomed Gadjiev stated that "his surrender and testimony were obtained from him under pressure."

Akhmed Israpilov was also questioned. He is charged with banditry and kidnapping of Vladimir Redkin, the Deputy General Director of Open Joint-Stock Company (OJSC) "Sulak Hydro Cascade", for ransom.

Nurmagomed Magomedov, an advocate of Akhmed Israpilov, has claimed that the testimony was obtained "under physical and psychological pressure."

The next court session is scheduled for April 1.

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