Forensic evidence from an independent examination and seen by RFE/RL shows that activist Rifat Dautov died in January from internal bleeding due to multiple blows sustained after his arrest in Russia's Bashkortostan region. The evidence from independent experts determined Dautov suffered at least 48 blows from a blunt object, with injuries covering 30 percent of his body. He died in a police car shortly after being detained following protests demanding the release of opposition figure Fail Alsynov. Dautov had denied participating in the protests. Officials attributed his death to acute heart failure. Police officers admitted to interrogating Dautov in the police car but denied any physical violence. In June, the Investigative Committee refused to launch a criminal investigation against the officers, citing a "lack of criminal activity." However, Dautov's lawyer, Pavel Vasilyev, told RFE/RL that he continued to push for justice, with the investigation still ongoing. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Idel.Realities, click here.
Experts Dispute Official Cause Of Activist's Death In Russia's Bashkortostan
Activists and supporters rallied in Russia's Bashkortostan in January, demanding the immediate release of opposition activist Fail Alsynov