In Almetyevsk, drunken policemen broke into a mosque

On May 6, employees of the Organized Crime Control Department appeared at the Friday prayer in the Cathedral Mosque of Almetyevsk in a drunken state. Without presenting IDs or warrants, they tried to seize one of the parishioners, tearing his outer clothing and damaging his mobile phone. In addition, the police officers cursed and insulted the Muslims. In response to protests, police officers used force against the parishioners, pregnant women and children were hurt.

The parishioners of the Cathedral Mosque appealed to the head of the administration of Almetyevsk and the head of the Internal Affairs Directorate with an appeal stating: "After such an incident by law enforcement agencies, we fear for our honor, health, life and our relatives, loved ones. We consider such actions against us a flagrant disgrace and lawlessness."

The Muslims demanded "to carry out a full and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the case, to prosecute all guilty officials, to ensure the restoration of our violated rights and interests, to put an end to violations of existing laws by law enforcement agencies."

On May 13, all believers on their way to the Cathedral Mosque for Friday prayers had their documents checked by the police at the entrance. At the same time, some parishioners were not allowed to enter the building without explanation. This angered the Muslims. According to the site IslamNews.ru , local residents are convinced that representatives of the clergy agreed with the police and therefore the guards did not allow parishioners who were objectionable to the mosque administration to enter.

Sources

• Drunk police officers raided a mosque in Almetyevsk // Islam.ru. 2005. May 12.
• Muslims not allowed to Friday prayers // IslamNews.ru. 2005. May 16.