Salafis report on restriction of access to mosque in Kotrov Street

In Makhachkala, members of the Salafi community intend to return the mosque in Kotrov Street through negotiations with the Muftiyat. At present, according to them, policemen are on duty at the mosque, and they search men with beards.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 20, the conflict occurred over the Salafi mosque located in Kotrov Street. On that day, according to believers, representatives of the Dagestani Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) dismissed the legitimately elected Imam and appointed their Imam. A fight occurred at the mosque. Some believers were brought to the police station.

Yesterday, on November 22, believers, who came to discuss the replacement of the Imam, were once again detained near the mosque. According to the updated information, administrative proceedings were initiated against eight persons. This was reported by Ruslan Ibragimgadjiev, a press officer of the Dagestani Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).

The believers themselves claim that they had no intention to provoke the conflict at the mosque.

The "Caucasian Knot" was told by believer Murad that at present, the access to the mosque for Salafis is limited.

"Policemen sit at every door of the mosque. If you wear even a small beard or you bring a plastic bag, they search you," Murad has said.

He has noted that members of the Salafi community are going to return the mosque, and they are ready to make every effort for that. "We hope that the SAM will make concessions and conclude an agreement with us. We are all aware that they do not need the mosque and that they simply follow the instructions of law enforcers," Murad has stressed.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.