Natives of Chechnya detained after making selfie in Strasbourg

On November 27, in Strasbourg, policemen detained two natives from Chechnya, regarding their gestures during making selfies as justification of terrorism. According to French authorities, one of the detainees had earlier applied for asylum.

Policemen have detained two residents of Chechnya during the Christmas Fair. They attracted law enforcers' attention by taking selfies in front of the cathedral building with their index fingers raised, which the police regarded as a gesture of adherence to the "Islamic State" (IS), a terrorist organization banned in Russia by the court, the "Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace" has reported. The young people were detained on suspicion of "justifying terrorism" and taken to a police station.

This year, the Christmas Fair in Strasbourg is held under increased security measures due to the fact that a year ago a 29-year-old man opened fire on fair visitors. Then, five persons died; and 14 others were wounded. A video was then found in the attacker's apartment, where he announced sympathy for terrorists, the "Ekho Moskvy" informs.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 15, Svetlana Gannushkina, the head of the Civil Assistance Committee, said that Europe is the place for seeking refuge by victims of domestic violence, unlawful criminal prosecution, as well as those who are oppressed at home for their religious beliefs. The practice of deporting asylum-seekers from Russia, including migrants from Chechnya, is gaining momentum in Europe, but this does not comply with the principles of the international law, the human rights defender has stated.