Imam Velitov not guilty of justification of terrorism, his advocate asserts

Makhmud Velitov, the Imam of the mosque "Yardyam" in Moscow, whose statements about religious figure Abdulla Gappaev, killed in Kizlyar, were treated by investigators public justification of terrorism, did not know about the possible involvement of Abdulla Gappaev in banned organizations. This was claimed by his advocate.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that law enforcers detained Makhmud Velitov on July 11. One of the visitors of the mosque has claimed that Makhmud Velitov "mentioned the killed religious figure with kind words." On July 12, the court placed Makhmud Velitov under house arrest until August 27.

"My client has nothing in common with 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' (a terrorist organization, banned in Russia, note of the "Caucasian Knot")," stated advocate Dagir Khasavov as quoted by the RIA "Novosti".

The advocate has noted that staff members of the Federal Penitentiary Service (known as FSIN) did not put an electronic surveillance bracelet on a Makhmud Velitov's arm, since after surgery, Makhmud Velitov is prohibited from wearing electronic devices that can bring down the heart rhythm.

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