Parishioners state peaceful nature of Koitemirov's sermons

Imam of Novokayakent Isa Koitemirov is not involved in the crimes incriminated to him, said the congregation of the local mosque.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Isa Koitemirov was detained on October 25. Officially, he is charged with illicit trafficking in weapons, explosives and drugs. According to the advocate hired by his relatives, he gave confessions; otherwise they threatened to sue him for involvement with militants.

Parishioners of the Novokayakent mosque believe that the weapons were planted in the Imam's house during the search, one of the parishioners told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent on condition of anonymity.

"The fact that all that was planted on him is beyond any doubt. He had no relation to it. They just knew how to force him to confess," he said.

According to the parishioner, the persecution of the Imam is explained by the need of policemen to report to their bosses of their anti-extremist work.

Locals describe Koitemirov as a calm and reasonable religious figure, another parishioner named Mukhammad told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to his story, never during his sermons Koitemirov called to violence.

"He only called to worship Allah alone, and be good to people," said Mukhammad.

He said that Koitemirov's house was searched repeatedly; and nothing illegal was ever found before.

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