Prosecutors asked a court in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan on January 11 to convict and sentence to four years in prison Fail Alsynov, the ex-leader of a banned Bashqort group, which for years promoted the Bashkir language and culture. Alsynov was charged with inciting hatred over a speech he gave at a rally in April 2023 that was critical of government plans to start goldmining near a village in Bashkortostan that would bring in migrant laborers. Alsynov rejects the charge as politically motivated. The trial is being held behind closed doors. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service, click here.
Prosecutors In Russia's Bashkortostan Seek 4 Years In Prison For Activist Alsynov
Activist Fail Alsynov (file photo)