Chechnya is among the Russian regions introducing a drone-piloting standard under the GTO physical fitness programme as part of the federal project Na Vysote! (“At Altitude!”). According to the Vedomosti newspaper, the initiative aims to “popularise” drone piloting among young people and train specialists for the unmanned aircraft industry. Russian officials have also openly acknowledged that the skills acquired could be used in the war against Ukraine.
The Investigative Directorate for Karachay-Cherkessia opened a criminal case against a 40-year-old local resident. She is accused under Part 2 of Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation in the activities of an extremist organization).
According to investigators, since 2017, the suspect, aware of the liquidation and ban of the religious organization “Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia,” voluntarily took part in it. The defendant studied and promoted extremist literature, maintained contacts with other members of the organization, and attended collective religious services and performances.
In 2017, the Supreme Court recognized the Management Center of Jehovah's Witnesses as an extremist organization and banned its activities. Many believers were accused of extremism and an attempt on the Constitutional system of the Russian Federation and were sentenced to real and suspended sentences.