In Ingushetia, Mufti threatens Evkurov with Sharia court for attempts to control sermons

Ingush leader Yunus-Bek Evkurov ordered to use video cameras to control the preaching of theologians. The Muftiate of Ingushetia treats the decision as an attempt to prevent criticism against officials.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in March 2016, Yunus-Bek Evkurov ordered to install video cameras in mosques. That happened after a car explosion near a mosque in the municipality of Nasyr-Court in Nazran on March 11, 2016. As a result of the explosion, four persons were injured. According to eyewitnesses, that was an attempt on Imam Khamzat Chumakov.

Yunus-Bek Evkurov explained control in mosques by the need to prevent "politicization of preaching activities."

In response, Isa Khamkhoev, the head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) for Ingushetia, has suggested that the decision of the authorities can be explained by their desire to be shielded from criticism.

"There has been no politics in sermons of imams. Officials are afraid of criticism," Isa Khamkhoev stated.

The Mufti has emphasized that officials are not entitled to interfere in the affairs of theologians, since "religion is separated from the state." "And we will find out how to stop those who, contrary to the law, will try to do that," Isa Khamkhoev has stated. He has noted that "According to Sharia law, the Muslim practice provides measures to influence those who commit misconduct."

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