Relatives of Dagestani activist Rabadanov find way to help him at SIZO

Relatives of Ramazan Rabadanov have found a doctor who can help him with the cervical vertebrae damaged during his detention.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that, on November 20, activists pointed out the political nature of Rabadanov's persecution. The court ignored the arguments of Rabadanov's defence, including the report of his beating up by law enforcers.

Residents of Dagestan have expressed outrage at Rabadanov's detention, who had used to speak out in defence of the figurants in the case of the riots at the Makhachkala Airport. On November 20, the Supreme Court (SC) of Dagestan refused to soften his freedom restriction measure and left him in custody.

Next week, Rabadanov's doctor will fly in to provide him with necessary treatment right at the SIZO (pre-trial prison), said Shamil Khadulaev, the Chairman of the Dagestani Public Oversight Commission (POC).

The visit of POC members to the SIZO has played a key role in the issue of providing medical help to Rabadanov, said Patimat Abdulaeva, a lawyer. "In practice, there have been few cases when a detainee is given a chance to be visited by a doctor for help. In this case, the visit of Shamil Khadulaev was the key, which made it possible to achieve such result," she said.

The doctor's visit will be further confirmation that Rabadanov's health was seriously damaged during his detention, Ms Abdulaeva has added.