Arrests for ‘extremist’ activity continue in Russia

Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia — Arrests and prosecutions for “extremist” activity continue against Russian Muslim readers of the works of Islamic theologian Said Nursi. The criminal trial of Ilnur Khafizov and Fedail Salimzyanov began again in a magistrates’ court in Naberezhnye Chelny, in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan on Jan. 29. Proceedings were due to re-start Feb. 19, local Muslims said. The criminal trial of two Muslim women, Nakiya Sharifullina and Laura Khapinova, began in a different magistrates’ court in the town Jan. 22. The trial was due to resume in February.

Also changes to “extremism” related Articles of the Criminal Code were signed into law by President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 3. The changes impose higher fines and longer prison sentences for “extremism” related offences. This makes it easier for the state to obtain legal permission for surveillance techniques such as phone tapping.