Official threatens tourists with a criminal case for their topless photo near Sulak Canyon

Young women, who posted their topless photo near the Sulak Canyon after their visit to Dagestan, should remove it from the Internet, the deputy chief of the Untsukul district administration claims. The official threatens to file a complaint to the law enforcement bodies about insulting the feelings of believers. The Sulak Canyon is not designated as a sacred place, one of the young women argues.

Last year, two young women arranged a topless photo session in the Sulak Canyon and thus attracted the attention of the republic’s authorities, the “360tv.ru” reports.

Such pictures are an immoral example of upbringing, which negatively affects the socio-political situation, believes Mukhammad Khamzatov, the deputy chief of the Untsukul district administration.

Isabella, one of the young women depicted on the topless photo, explained that they had no intention to provoke or offend anyone with their picture.

In July, the “lifedagestan” public account on Instagram reported about a caution plate installed on the observation deck of the Sulak Canyon. The plate urges visitors to comply with the dress code. Meanwhile, some social media users note that the dress code can prevent tourists from visiting the observation deck and this will affect the income of local residents.

The Ministry of Tourism for Dagestan reported that the caution plate was installed not by the authorities, but by local residents. Furthermore, in 2020, the Muftiate of Dagestan called on tourists to honour local traditions and norms.