Astrakhan Muslims May Lose Mosque By Henry Meyer The Associated Press
Dmitry Lovetsky / AP
Asya Makhmutova, the administrator of the mosque in the Volga River city of Astrakhan, visiting the construction site of the new mosque on March 14.
ASTRAKHAN -- A sand-colored edifice rises out of a muddy field alongside the main road leading from the airport into the Volga River city of Astrakhan.
It is a partially built mosque that the region's half-million Muslims dream will one day be capped by a 37-meter-high minaret atop ornate arches and serenely flowing fountains.
But city authorities say zoning regulations have been violated, and they plan to raze the building this spring. That has angered Muslims and rights advocates who say freedom of religion is being trampled in an atmosphere of xenophobia fed by the more than decade-long war against Islamic militants and separatists in Chechnya.
"Astrakhan is historically a Muslim city. Will ... >>full
28.3.2006 13:29 MSK Spiritual leader of Orenburg Muslims searched Ismagil-xhazrat Shangareyev Ismagil-xhazrat Shangareyev RUSSIA, Moscow. On March 27th, in Moscow, a search was carried out in the apartment of the spiritual leader of Orenburg’s Muslims and member of the Council of Muftis of Russia, Ismagil-xhazrat Shangareyev, in connection with a criminal case concerning the organization of an extremist association. A statement concerning the search pointed to a connection between Shangareyev and the organization "Khizb ut-Takhrir", which is forbidden in Russia
The search was carried out by representatives of law-enforcement agencies of the Orenburg region and two officers of the Moscow UBOP (Organized Crime Squad)- a total of about 10 people. Present in Ismagil-khazrat Shangareyev's apartment was the Chairman of the Civil Assistance Committee, Svetlana Gannushkina, who reported by telephone to a correspondent of PRIMA-News that taken in the search was a pamphlet "Fortress of Muslims ", and a photocopy of the title page of the ... >>full
Russian Muslims furious over 'threatened' mosque March 30, 2004
By Henry Meyer A sand-coloured edifice rises out of a muddy field alongside the main road leading from the airport into the Russian Volga River city of Astrakhan. It's a partially built mosque that the region's half million Muslims dream will one day be capped by a 37-m high minaret atop ornate arches and serenely flowing fountains. But city authorities say zoning regulations have been violated, and they plan to raze the building this spring. That has angered Muslims and rights advocates who say freedom of religion is being trampled in an atmosphere of xenophobia fed by the more than decade-long Russian war against Islamic militants and separatists in Chechnya. "Astrakhan is historically a Muslim city. Will we return to the Communist times when they destroyed churches and mosques?" asked local human rights activist Veronika Karpycheva. Muslim Tatars ruled the Astrakhan region up ... >>full
Eleonore Dermy's Column Article published in 23/01/2005 Issue
By Eleonore DERMY - journalist specialized in Russian society and policy in Paris
Translated by Marie ANDERSON
Where will the wave of revolution stop? In many former Soviet republics, the Georgian and Ukrainian revolutions were followed very closely. Something which should make Russia tremble for it is so much attached to its "near abroad".
The scenes of jubilation by demonstrators on Independence square in Kiev, and the less recent ones by supporters of the turbulent politician Mikhael Saakashvili in Georgia encouraged many people among the opposition parties of several former Soviet republics. After the Rose Revolution in Tbilisi, the Orange Revolution in Kiev gives rise to dreams of a « Blueberry Revolution », a « Grape Revolution», or a « Yellow Revolution » in Belarus, Moldava, Kyrgyzstan, and even in Kazakhstan. And this to the great displeasure of their government in power and Moscow, since they see the ... >>full
Acknowledgement: All available information and documents in "Justice For North Caucasus Group" is provided for the "fair use". There should be no intention for ill-usage of any sort of any published item for commercial purposes and in any way or form. JFNC is a nonprofit group and has no intentions for the distribution of information for commercial or advantageous gain. At the same time consideration is ascertained that all different visions, beliefs, presentations and opinions will be presented to visitors and readers of all message boards of this site. Providing, furnishing, posting and publishing the information of all sources is considered a right to freedom of opinion, speech, expression, and information while at the same time does not necessarily reflect, represent, constitute, or comprise the stand or the opinion of this group. If you have any concerns contact us directly at:
eagle@JusticeForNorthCaucasus.com
