Analysts assess the political context of Magomed Magomedov's case

Magomed Magomedov, editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Youth of Dagestan," an experienced journalist, is a systemic figure. His criminal prosecution is not related to his professional activities, but is linked to the republic's electoral political processes.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," Magomed Magomedov, editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Youth of Dagestan," was arrested on November 21st in connection with a case of large-scale fraud. The case is related to Magomedov's work at RIA "Dagestan": according to investigators, public funds were embezzled there over several years. The money was transferred as payment for various services under contracts or as salaries for people who did not actually work for the agency. On November 23, the court arrested Magomedov for two months.

The "Youth of Dagestan" newspaper, a state-owned media outlet, periodically published materials on various pressing issues of public concern in the republic. In particular, since the beginning of 2025, the newspaper has published materials on the problem of the termination of the study of native languages in Dagestan schools (article "How the language is being brought to an end" from September 28), on the experiences of people under constant power and water outages (article "And there is no water, because there is no electricity..." from October 30), and on the protest of residents against the construction of a multi-story building on the territory of the Port Hospital ("Domik u morya," July 14).

Magomed Magomedov is one of the most experienced and well-known journalists in the republic, Dagestani political scientist Albert Esedov told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. He noted that he has no information about what exactly Magomedov is accused of.

"He took part in a direct line with President Putin, twice asking questions there, including quite serious ones. This demonstrates not only his importance in regional journalism, but also his integration into the system. He did a good job as head of the republic's main news agency, RIA Dagestan. "Information about any embezzled funds during his tenure there, of course, requires proof," Esedov believes.

Magomedov was close to the authorities, his loyalty and complete devotion were appreciated by the political leadership, and that is why he had the opportunity to ask Putin those very two questions, said RIA Derbent editor-in-chief Milrad Fatullaev.

"But, apparently, The security forces, and the people behind them—certain influence groups—decided to play this card by opening a case against Magomedov. I note that similar issues have periodically surfaced in Dagestani budget journalism, including at RIA Dagestan,” he said.

Fatullaev recalled that in 2014, the former acting director of this news agency, Fikret Babayev, was detained on suspicion of embezzlement of budget funds. Investigators claimed that 9.8 million rubles were stolen from RIA Dagestan in 2012.

The criminal case against Magomedov is not routine, but it is indicative, the journalist believes. According to Fatullaev, people who are in one way or another close to the current government will periodically become involved in similar cases.

“This year, counting from the end of September to September of next year, 2026 is the so-called pre-election year. In September 2026, elections are scheduled for several municipalities and the State Duma, and a decision must be made on the appointment of a new head of Dagestan or the retention of Sergei Melikov in this position. A candidate should be decided sometime next spring. This period is very important, which is why high-profile cases like this arise," he said.

Fatullaev recalled that Dagestan parliament member Izi Aliyev was recently detained, and that previously, charges of illegal enrichment were brought against former Dagestan State Secretary Magomed-Sultan Magomedov, who is also a member of Melikov's inner circle.

"Thus, if we pay attention to what's happening in Melikov's inner circle, we'll see a pattern such as the fall of fairly prominent, major figures. It feels like the people he relied on to varying degrees are starting to fall away—and this is probably not without reason," the journalist concluded.

Magomedov, who headed the republic's main official information resource, had friendly relations with all the leaders of Dagestan, starting with Ramazan Abdulatipov, despite his systemic nature, was a significant figure in journalism, noted a Dagestani journalist who wished to remain anonymous.

"There's probably not a single publication in Magomedov's history for which he could be held criminally liable. Accordingly, it's impossible to say that the criminal prosecution has any political undertones or pressure on journalism, especially independent journalism. And the nature of the charges against him shows that the complaints are not about his creative work, but about his administrative and business activities as CEO," the journalist told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.