Family of blogger Alibek Mirzekhanov states his kidnapping

Alibek Mirzekhanov, the blogger, detained within the case of a brawl in Moscow, was released from detention after removal of all charges; however, he disappeared after that, his brother Mansur Mirzekhanov has informed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Alibek Mirzekhanov, a blogger and a native of Dagestan, disappeared on February 16, after law enforcers came to his apartment in Moscow. A law enforcement source said that Mirzekhanov had been detained in connection with the brawl at a cafe. According to relatives, the blogger is suspected of hooliganism. His relatives and defence assert that he had testified against himself under pressure.

Today, the blogger failed to appear at the court. His phone is disconnected, and his whereabouts is unknown. His advocates believe that the blogger was kidnapped, said his brother Mansur.

According to advocates, they have a video, recorded by a camera in a Moscow restaurant, which shows Alibek Mirzekhanov having dinner with his friends. This happened at the time of the brawl, which means that he could not take part in it.

The blogger's brother also reported the details of his detention. "It was very cruel. Several men broke into the apartment, handcuffed him, explained nothing and did not introduce themselves," he said. They kicked him in the groin and legs, testified the brother.