In today’s Russia, criminal prosecution targets not only those who openly oppose the authorities, but also anyone who challenges unilateral decisions made by the Kremlin or by its closest “vassals.” In this case, the focus is on Chechnya and on Ramzan Kadyrov personally: his political course contributed to an attempt to transfer part of Ingushetia’s land to Chechnya. Residents of Ingushetia protested, but the authorities harshly suppressed the demonstrations with prison sentences. Still, time passes, and some activists are now being released.

It has been reported that Akhmed Barakhoev and Musa Malsagov—defendants in the so-called “Ingush case”—have been freed. The case stems from mass protests in Magas on March 26–27, 2019, when participants opposed an agreement with Chechnya involving the alienation of part of Ingushetia’s territory. As a result, more than 200 people faced administrative charges, and over 50 were subjected to criminal prosecution.

On December 15, 2021, seven people were sentenced to 7.5 to 9 years in prison on charges related to organizing or participating in an extremist community. Earlier, Zarifa Sautieva, Ismail Nalgiev, Bagaudin Khautiev, and Barakh Chemurziev had already been released. Now relatives, lawyers, and friends have welcomed Barakhoev and Malsagov back home. Supporters are also awaiting the release of Malsag Uzhakhov.

A separate episode of the case involved the detention in February 2021 of former Ingushetia interior minister Akhmed Pogorov. He was sentenced to nine years in prison and became the eighth defendant associated with the “leaders” of the Ingush protest.