17 February 2016, 01:22
Kislovodsk Imam Kurman-Ali Baichorov leaves colony
The Imam of the city of Kislovodsk Kurman-Ali Baichorov, who was yesterday released by the decision of the Stavropol Territorial Court, is at large from his colony. The decision was enforced immediately after the Courier Service has brought the judgement of the appeal court to the colony.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in January 2015, Baichorov was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on charges of illegal drug dealing. He refused to plead guilty, claiming that the drugs had been planted on him. His supporters associated his prosecution with the Imam's position on the issue of building mosques in Kislovodsk. On February 15, 2016, the Stavropol Territorial Court considered the appeal complained, overturned the verdict and sent the case for retrial to the court of the first instance; it was decided to release the Imam under recognizance not to leave.
On February 16, at 4:00 p.m. Baichorov came out of Corrective Colony (known as IK) No. 6 (located at the Dydymkin Farm) and was met by his close relatives and advocates. "We're driving Kurman-Ali home; he feels well, anticipating to meet his family," his advocate Taulan Ebzeev told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
Baichorov himself noted that he "is satisfied with the judgement of the appellate court and intends to continue struggling for his complete vindication."
Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.
Author: Magomed Tuayev Source: CK correspondent
