19:58, 13 February 2020

Defence succeeds in seeking cancellation of large-scale fine for Ingush activist Uzhakhov

Malsag Uzhakhov. Screenshot of the video by Ruslan Youloy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyQWrv2FfPc

The Supreme Court (SC) of Russia mitigated the punishment imposed on Malsag Uzhakhov, the chairman of the Ingush Council of Teips (families), by reducing his fine from 150,000 to 10,000 roubles, reported advocate Djabrail Kuriev.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Malsag Uzhakhov was arrested in a case on use of violence against policemen during a March rally in Magas. The activist was fined, although he was not an organizer of the protest. Malsag Uzhakhov explained the large-scale fine imposed on him by the fact that was his repeated administrative punishment.

The detention in custody of Malsag Uzhakhov has been repeatedly extended. Advocates express their concern over the conditions of transportation of their client from a SIZO (pre-trial prison) in Vladikavkaz to Nalchik and Pyatigorsk, since 67-year-old Malsag Uzhakhov suffers from health problems.

According to advocate Djabrail Kuriev, the defence has been trying for almost a year to prove the illegality of the decision to fine the activist.

The court decision states that at the rally held on March 26, 2019, Malsag Uzhakhov committed violations; however, "taking into account ... the personality of Malsag Uzhakhov, who is a Category II Invalid, as well as the absence of aggravating circumstances," the judge decided to re-determine the violation.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 13, 2020 at 06:24 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Tatyana Gantimurova

Source: CK correspondent