The International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed concern over new legislative initiatives by the Georgian government and ruling party that restrict independent media funding.
The activities of the “Sharia patrol” were stopped in Kabardino-Balkaria. Ten residents of the republic were detained on suspicion of creating an extremist community. They beat with sticks and exerted psychological pressure on those whose behavior and lifestyle did not correspond to their beliefs, the local Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.
The gang, which operated from March 2017 to November 2023, was led by a 40-year-old resident of Tyrnyauz. According to the police, 14 residents of the republic were injured at the hands of the group.
Operatives found and detained all members of the gang. A criminal case was opened against them for creating an extremist community and participating in it (Parts 1 and 2 of Article 282.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).