Coronavirus Restrictions Could Prevent Ingush Activist’s Family from Being at His Release from Detention

Paul Goble

            Staunton, April 13 – The Supreme Court of Stavropol Kray rejected the appeal of Ingush activist Khasan Katsiyev of his sentence of 22 months for his role in the March 2019 protests but ordered his release because of time served. The exact date of his release is uncertain because the court must either mail or fax its order to the detention facility.

            But another problem has arisen, one that families of other Ingush prisoners may face and that will certainly outrage many of them. Because many Ingush are being held outside Ingushetia in other republics or Russian districts, families can’t be present at their release unless they get special permission because of coronavirus restrictions.

            Katsiyev’s father said he was applying for permission to cross the republic borders into the Russian kray but as of now, he has not yet received it. Thus, his son may be released from detention but not be welcomed by his family and friends, yet another indignity the Russian officials have visited upon Ingush protesters (kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/348277/).

            Meanwhile, in either a demonstration of insensitivity or a failure of the right hand of power knowing what the left hand is doing, the Ingush republic government has announced plans to let a contract to a private firm to organize a mass demonstration on Victory Day in May even though it is unclear if pandemic restrictions will be lifted by then (facebook.com/groups/2421953458084994/permalink/2615830968697241/).