Human rights defenders detect signs of fraud in Dagestani journalist Gadjiev's case

Natalia Prilutskaya, a specialist for Russia at the "Amnesty International" (AI), believes the case against journalist Abdulmumin Gadjiev was fabricated. The statement released by the human rights organization can have a positive effect on the Abdulmumin Gadjiev's case, his advocate believes.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported hat on June 18, Abdulmumin Gadjiev, an editor of the religion department of the newspaper "Chernovik" (Draft), was detained in a case on terrorist financing. Abdulmumin Gadjiev is being prosecuted for posting articles on Islamic topics, believes Magdi Kamalov, a founder of the newspaper "Chernovik". The case is based on the testimony given by the only suspect who does not directly accuse the journalist of the crime, the advocate notes. On August 22, the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" recognized Abdulmumin Gadjiev as a political prisoner and demanded to release him.

"The testimony of Kemal Tambiev was obtained under torture. He retracted his testimony in court and noted that he had signed papers without reading hem ... The charge itself is absurd," Natalia Prilutskaya said.

By their activities, the newspaper "Chernovik" itself and the journalist interfered with the authorities' policies, since they highlighted human rights violations and corruption, Natalia Prilutskaya believes.

The AI has declared Abdulmumin Gadjiev a "prisoner of conscience," persecuted for the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and for his journalistic activities, says Natalia Prilutskaya.