Authorities in the far eastern Primorye region fined the leader of an Islamic organization for distributing extremist materials after finding banned literature in the group's mosque, a news report said Thursday.
Yelena Telegina, deputy regional prosecutor, told Interfax that authorities in the port town of Nakhodka found literature included on the government's list of extremist materials in a mosque library. The books were found in the library's reading room and were in open circulation, she said.
The head of the "Islam" religious organization was ordered to pay a fine for misdemeanor charges of distributing extremist materials.
The literature was confiscated, the report said.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
