by Nina Achmatova

Mahmoud Velitov is the imam at the Yardyam mosque. His alleged offence dates back to 2013. He is said to have partly admitted to the charges.

Moscow (AsiaNews) – Mahmoud Velitov, the imam of Moscow's Yardyam Mosque, has been placed under house arrest until 27 August after he was charged with inciting terrorism, his lawyer Dagir Khasavov told the Interfax news agency on Tuesday.

Under his restraining order, the clergyman cannot use internet or mobile and landline phones. He can however contact medical staff because he is legally disabled and has a medical history that includes a stroke and a heart attack. His lawyers have said that they will appeal against the court decision.

According to investigators, Velitov expressed support at the Yardyam mosque for the actions of a member of the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir terrorist organisation on 23 September 2013.

When his house was searched, police seized literature deemed extremist under Russian law.

The imam has partly admitted to the charges, which carry a prison sentence of between two and five years.

In recent years, Russian authorities have intensified their crackdown against terrorists and those inciting and justifying terrorism

Recently, Russia amended its anti-terrorism legislation (Yarovaya Law) to include restrictions on religious activity and increase the number of crimes with which minors can be charged. (N.A.)