Convict for attack on Nalchik is on ninth day of hunger strike in colony

On August 9, Azamat Akhkubekov, a native of Kabardino-Balkaria, convicted for taking part in militants' attack on Nalchik in 2005, went on a hunger strike in protest against placing him in a punishment cell with a ban on prayers, his wife has informed today.

On July 24, Akhkubekov, who is serving his sentence in a special-security colony in Yakutia, was placed in a punishment cell for 20 days for sleeping during daytime; and his personal belongings were seized, his wife has added.

According to her story, Azamat Akhkubekov complained to the prosecutor's office about the seizure of documents and personal belongings, in particular, of his diary and a prayer rug without a corresponding act, but the colony administration announced that he has no right to write complaints and pray at the SIZO (pre-trial prison).

"They openly tell him: if you don't stop praying and writing complaints, you'll never leave the dungeon (punishment cell); therefore, he went on a hunger strike," the "Kavkaz.Realii" quotes the wife as saying today.

According to her version, on August 16, Akhkubekov left the dungeon; however, new reports have already been drawn up on him, threatening with new 25 days in the dungeon. The pressure on her husband is caused by his complaints and religiousness.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 17, 2018 at 11:59 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.