Russia Muslim leaders attacked in Tatarstan Published duration 19 July 2012

image caption Mufti Ildus Faizov was known for his criticism of radical Islamist groups

One Russian Muslim leader has been shot dead and another wounded, in separate attacks in the Russian republic of Tatarstan, officials say.

The Mufti of Tatarstan, Ildus Fayzov, was injured when his car was blown up as he left a radio station in the city of Kazan.

A former deputy mufti, Valiulla Yakupov, was shot dead near his home at about the same time.

There have been a number of deadly attacks on Russian Muslim clerics.

Tatarstan, in central Russia, has a large Muslim population.

Critics of radicalism

The motive in this case is unclear, but Vladimir Markin, a spokesman for Russia's Investigative Committee, said both leaders were known for fighting extremism and their professional activity was being investigated as one of the reasons for the attacks.

Mr Yakupov is reported to have been shot as he left his home but managed to reach his car before he died.

He was the head of education at the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Tatarstan.

Interfax news agency reported that he founded Russia's first Islamic literary publishing house and was known as a fierce opponent of Islamic radicalism.

Mr Fayzov, too, was known for his criticism of radical Islamist groups, Russian reports said.

Islamists have carried out a violent campaign against Russian authorities, declaring their intention to establish an Islamic caliphate.

But their activities have been mostly contained to the Muslim republics of Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia in the North Caucasus.

Tatarstan has been much more peaceful and is often held up as an example of religious tolerance in Russia.