In Astrakhan, law enforcers detain dozens of believers near a mosque

Today, several dozen Muslims have been brought to police stations after namaz (prayer) in an Astrakhan mosque. The law enforcement bodies refused to explain the reasons for the police raid.

Law enforcers check IDs of the Muslims who leave the Red Mosque and force some of them into police busses. At least three buses with the inscription "Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)" and three military vehicles with the inscription "National Guard of Russia" approached the mosque. One police bus with dozens of believers has already left for a police station, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reported at 1:44 p.m. Moscow time on November 27.

One of the believers, who was forced into the above mentioned police bus, called the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent via mobile phone and said that he presented his ID to the policemen, but still was not set free.

The law enforcers refused to explain to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent the reason for the police raid. Meanwhile, an agent in civilian clothes pointed out by OMON (riot police) fighters said that the believers would be taken to different police stations.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 27, 2020 at 02:31 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.