Dagestani residents claim they are forced to sign letters not to leave country during FIFA World Cup

Residents of Dagestan report that people who have earlier criminal records for their involvement in militant activities are required to sign letters not to leave the republic. Lawyers interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe such letters contradict the constitutional human right.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 11, the newspaper "Novaya Gazeta" reported about the pressure of the law enforcement bodies on residents of Dagestan on the eve of the FIFA World Cup. People who are included in the police prevention registration lists are forbidden to leave the republic during the FIFA World Cup. Law enforcers require from them to sign letters about not leaving the place, local residents reported.

In particular, law enforcers required such letters from people earlier involved in an illegal armed formation (IAF) or its organization, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by a resident of Dagestan.

According to the local resident, his relatives had to write such letters.

A sample of the letter about not leaving the republic was published in the "Ask Rasul" Telegram channel. "I undertake not to leave the Republic of Dagestan during the period from June 10 to July 20, 2018," the letter reads.

A demand for such a written undertaking not to leave the country is a direct violation of the Russian Constitution, which provides for the right to move freely and choose any place of residence, lawyer Biyakai Magomedov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"If policemen come to people with such demands, then it is possible to challenge their actions in court," the lawyer said.

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