Investigators toughen charge against Ingush activist

Bagaudin Gaitukiev, a children’s doctor from Ingushetia, accused of aiding and abetting militants for purchasing medicines for two members of an illegal armed formation, has been charged under terrorist articles. The accusations are based on the testimony of the convict, who retracted them during an interrogation. Bagaudin Gaitukiev himself denies any involvement in terrorism, human rights defenders say.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on March 3, 2022, the Ingush branch of the “Civil Initiative” Party reported that doctor and activist Bagaudin Gaitukiev had been detained on suspicion of aiding and abetting militants.

According to the investigators’ version, in 2016, Bagaudin Gaitukiev helped two members of the armed underground to acquire medicines. The defendant stated he was not aware that those people were involved in an illegal armed formation (IAF), the Human Rights Protection Centre “Memorial” reported.

The defender states that a resident of Ingushetia, convicted of terrorism, slandered Bagaudin Gaitukiev by claiming that the children’s doctor handed him a pistol. However, during the interrogation, the convict refused to testify.

The defence intends to ensure that new articles are excluded from the accusations.

Bagaudin Gaitukiev was also involved in charity activities, and he was helping the poor and orphans build houses, buy medicines, and travel abroad for medical treatment, the portal “Sota” reported.