Five activists were released from the Nalchik special detention center after serving their sentences for participating in a rally in memory of the victims of the Caucasian War. Two more remain in isolation.

This was reported by Circassian activist Martin Kochesokov. He was forced to emigrate from Russia after serving his sentence on charges of drug possession. The man claimed that the drugs were planted on him.

Earlier, the public organization "Kabardino-Balkarian Regional Human Rights Center" appealed to the head of the republic Kazbek Kokov with a request to release the detainees.

On May 21, a rally was held in Nalchik in memory of the victims of the Caucasian War and those who died for the independence of the Circassian people. At least two thousand people took part in the rally. At least eight demonstrators were detained and subjected to administrative arrest. They were accused of participating in an unauthorized event and blocking roads.

The Caucasian War (1817–1864) is a general name for the military actions of the Russian Imperial Army associated with the annexation of the North Caucasus to the Russian Empire and its military confrontation with the mountain peoples. After the war, the Adyghe (Circassians) were forced to leave their homeland en masse.