The sentence of Chechen publisher Aslambek Ezhaev was upheld

The military court in Vlasikha upheld the sentence against the publisher of Muslim literature, the head of the largest Islamic book publishing house in Russia “Umma” Aslambek Ezhaev. In February he was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

According to investigators, Ezhaev financed terrorists for many years, using funds from his publishing activities. In total, he allegedly transferred 33 million rubles.

According to lawyers Murad Musayev and Eva Chanieva, a serious violation of the investigation was the use of testimony from secret witnesses who were unable to indicate the source of their knowledge. In the case materials, there are no protocols of interrogation of any of the 29 persons allegedly sponsoring terrorism through Aslambek Ezhaev.

The prosecution claims that 33 million rubles were withdrawn from Ezhaev’s accounts. However, bank card statements included in the case file show an amount of only 4 million for the entire incriminated period, the lawyers noted.

Последние новости
Another drone attack repelled in Rostov Oblast; region also used as launch point for strikes on Ukraine
Chronicle of Wars and Crimes
Another drone attack repelled in Rostov Oblast; region also used as launch point for strikes on Ukraine
19 October 2026

On the night of October 19, Rostov Oblast was once again among the Russian regions targeted by drones. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, a total of 149 Ukrainian drones were shot down over Russian territory throughout the night.
MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
Society
MMA fighter from Chechnya hospitalized following a brawl involving gunfire in Vladikavkaz
18 October 2026

Mixed martial arts fighter Ibragim Islamov, known by the nickname "Nikarkho," sustained a gunshot wound from a non-lethal (traumatic) pistol during an altercation in the center of Vladikavkaz. Two people were injured in the incident, both of whom were hospitalized. The North Ossetia branch of the Russian Interior Ministry has opened a criminal case, and one of the individuals involved has been detained.
Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
Society
Azerbaijan marks 35 years of independence—33 of which have seen the country ruled by a single family
18 October 2026

On October 18, Azerbaijan celebrates the Day of the Restoration of Independence. It was on this date in 1991 that the republic’s Supreme Soviet adopted a Constitutional Act, formalizing the country’s departure from the Soviet system and the restoration of its state sovereignty.
US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
Politics
US Congressman Calls Kobakhidze’s Meeting with Iranian President an “Insult to Trump”
18 October 2026

American Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has criticized Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting took place in Yerevan on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).