Convict from Ingushetia claims harassment in colony for namaz

Vakha Tsurov, a native of Ingushetia, has demanded monetary compensation from the colony administration, claiming that he had been subjected to disciplinary sanctions for performing namaz (Muslim prayer).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that prisoners from Northern Caucasus face biased attitude from colony staff and other prisoners; their right to the freedom of religion are often violated, human rights defenders pointed out in April 2021.

Vakha Tsurov has claimed being pressed at the colony in Karelia because of his observance of religious rituals, the "Kavkaz.Realii"* project has reported. He has stated that the colony staff had repeatedly imposed disciplinary sanctions on him for performing namazes at certain hours. The convict has demanded compensation of 100,000 roubles.

In 2012, the Moscow City Court (MCC) sentenced Tsurov to 15 years in a maximum security colony, finding him guilty of creating a gang and robbery; and the Russia's Supreme Court (SC) upheld the sentence.

The Magas District Court has sent the case for consideration to the Segezh City Court in Karelia, but Tsurov asked to cancel this decision, "treating it as illegal and unjustified."

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.