CHECHNYA LINKS LIBRARY

In Ingushetia, leaflets against drug traffickers and owners of gambling houses

By Beybulat Polonkoyev

INGUSHETIA – Leaflets containing a statement by representatives of the Ingush armed underground were distributed today at bus stops, markets and other public places, calling on drug traffickers, moneylenders and owners of gaming establishments to repent and to cease their activity during February, or face physical destruction.

In particular, the statement says: "We call on all spreaders of dishonour, drug traffickers, usurers and owners of gaming establishments, who are ruining our citizens, to repent and cease their filthy activity on the territory of Ingushetia. We call on all who rent out premises for brothels and casinos, and on those who look after such establishments, who guard, clean and service the places where the Satans [shaytany] gather. Fear Allah, or you who engage in the debauchery of our brothers and sisters for the purpose of self-enrichment will be punished in accordance with Shariah law."

It should be noted that a statement of this kind signed by Ingush guerrilla leader Amir Magas appeared back in 2006, and was followed by some five attacks on the republic’s casinos with automatic weapons and grenade launchers.

A series of arson attacks followed in March 2007, when Ingushetia’s best-known restaurant, the Golden Palace in Karabulak, was burned down, as was the Caravan restaurant in Nazran, a Nazran liquor store, and kiosks selling liquor in Malgobek.

One important detail in today's message, distinguishing it from the last appeal, is the threat of physical destruction to those who do not cease their activities by March 1 2008.

At the beginning of August 2005 Ingush clerics and public figures addressed appeals to the local government protesting against the presence of gambling houses in the republic. On August 9, 2005 Ingush President Murat Zyazikov expressed his support for this cause, and a task force consisting of members of various government departments was created. As a result of their activity, the number of gambling houses has fallen sharply.

(Translation by DM)

(T)

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 · After Chechnya, gambling houses can be closed also in Ingushetia (Ingushetia.ru, 4.8.2005)