Zhalaudi Geriev nominated for "Freedom of Expression Awards 2017"

Zhalaudi Geriev, a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent in Chechnya, has been nominated in the category "Journalism" for the "Freedom of Expression Awards 2017" of the British human rights organization "Index on Censorship".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 5, the court sentenced Zhalaudi Geriev to three years of imprisonment on the charge of possession of marijuana. At the trial, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent completely denied the investigators' version and retracted his confession. His defence has filed an appeal against the sentence and demands to acquit Zhalaudi Geriev. The advocate points to numerous examples of falsification in the case materials and contradictions in the evidence-based charges. The Zhalaudi Geriev's case attracted the attention of the Russian and British media.

The website "Change.org" platform continues to collect signatures under the petition in support of Zhalaudi Geriev, initiated by the journalist's friends. As at 1:30 p.m. Moscow time of November 2, the number of signatures exceeded 24,000.

The "Index on Censorship" has nominated Zhalaudi Geriev for the annual award "Freedom of Expression Awards 2017", states the human rights organization in its report, received today by the "Caucasian Knot".

Every year, the "Index on Censorship" grants its awards to mark the courage and creativity in the fight against censorship in four categories "Activism", "Internet Activism", "Art", and "Journalism".

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.