Relatives of Ingush activists complain about difficulties with travels to trial

It is difficult and expensive to travel to Yessentuki, where the case of the Ingush activists accused of creating an extremist community is being considered; and because of the quarantine introduced because of the epidemic, a limited number of people are let into the courtroom, defendants' relatives have complained.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Russian Supreme Court (SC) had prescribed to try the case of seven protest leaders, who, unlike ordinary rally participants, are accused of creating an extremist community, in the Stavropol Territory.

Akhmed Barakhoev has complained that it is cold in his cell in the SIZO (pre-trial prison), his advocate, Aralbek Dumanishev, has stated.

"Relatives and volunteers help the accused activists; but we wouldn't name them in order to avoid problems," said Izabella Evloeva, a journalist.

According to her story, social networks are "closely following" the trial.

"People understand that the activists are not guilty, and they are illegally kept in custody. This causes anger and violent reactions in social networks towards the authorities," she said.

Ms Evloeva believes that the trial of the Ingush activists is demonstrative – "authorities try to punish them for disobedience."

Angela Matieva, an activist, has noted that Ingush political prisoners are now "the most broadly discussed topic in the republic."