Head of Kazakhstan Muslims Union apprehended

Chairman of the Union of Muslims of Kazakhstan Murat Telibekov has been apprehended, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the press-service of Almaty Interior Department. According to the press-service, Telibekov was apprehended for investigation purposes. He was apprehended based on an application of Almaty citizen who said that Telibekov instigated him to take part in an unauthorized riot near Almaty administration. According to Telibekov’s wife Yekaterina, her husband went for a walk in the morning and later called home from the Interior Department office. “He said he was apprehended without any explanations. His cell phone is turned off now,” Yekaterina said. According to her, Telibekov has not been allowed a lawyer. Family and friends of the head of the Union of Muslims believe that his arrest is related to the campaign near Almaty Administration scheduled for June 4. Telibekov called Almaty citizens to gather next the administration building to demand a meeting with Almaty Akim (Mayor) Akhmetzhan Yessimov. Later Almaty Interior Department said that Murat Telibekov will be fined for an administrative violation. “He is accused of violating the legislation, in particular the article On rules of organization and holding of peaceful meetings, riots, demonstrations, marches and pickets of the Administrative Code,” the press-service stated. This violation is punishable with a fine in the amount of up to 20 monthly calculation indexes ($231) for individuals and up to 50 monthly calculation indexes ($577) for officials or with 15 days of administrative arrest. The case has been transferred to the administrative court. By Assemgul Kassenova