Krasnodar’s regional appellate court has upheld a fine against Ruslan Gvashev, a former Circassian leader, for performing a traditional Circassian prayer. The court rejected Gvashev’s complaint on 16 October, Caucasian Knot reported, despite his lawyers claiming his right to freedom of religion had been violated. Gvashev, currently staying at a sanatorium in Kabardino-Balkaria, was reportedly unable to attend the hearing. Gvashev performed the prayer on 21 May, which marks the Day of Reme| OC Media
Ruslan Gvashev, a 67-year-old Circassian activist who was fined for performing a traditional Circassian prayer in public, has ended his hunger strike after 25 days. The appeal against his fine has been postponed. Krasnodar’s regional appellate court was due to make a final decision on whether to overturn the fine against him on 5 October, but the hearing was postponed until 14 October. After dozens of supporters gathered at the court and urged him to stop, he announced he would abandon h| OC Media