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.
“Crimean Solidarity” activists from Bakhchisaray Seydamet Mustafayev, Eldar Yakubov, Abdulmedzhit Seitumerov, Ruslan Asanov, Ametkhan Umerov and Remzi Nimetulaev were left in pre-trial detention until October 23. This decision was made by the Supreme Court of Crimea based on the results of the appeal hearing.
According to the lawyers, the court did not accept a single argument to choose another preventive measure for the defendant. Defenders believe that the investigation is groundlessly accusing Crimean Tatar activists of terrorist activities.
The defendants were arrested at the end of August. Previously, they were detained more than once at rallies in support of other arrested Crimean Tatars. They are accused of participating in the Islamic party Hizb ut-Tahrir, banned in the Russian Federation. In Ukraine and other countries of the world, the party operates legally, and its members are not subject to any persecution.