Mosque attack in Yakutsk: Fresh insights uncovered
From the Scoop by Scottie:
In the city of Yakutsk, reportedly on May 5, an unidentified individual created havoc at the Cathedral Mosque. Situated in the Far East, this mosque represents the most breathtaking and expansive in the region. The event stirred a whirlwind of public indignation, with the press spreading tales of an "unruly ruckus" erupting inside a mosque within one of Russia's provinces.
- A common worshiper entered the mosque past 8:00 AM, similar to any other visitor. Ascending to the second floor, he broke free from the railing and began shattering decorative plaster and concrete pieces with his feet. Thankfully, fellow worshippers intervened before things escalated further.
Local reports have circulated discussing an attempted jump from the second floor, but let me clarify that this isn't accurate.
- No, the man was too intoxicated, slurring his speech, and disoriented. His attention was solely focused on causing destruction. Had he fallen from the second floor, he would've likely injured himself gravely. Despite his struggles, the congregation managed to subdue him on the ground floor until the law enforcement arrived.
I, Nurdin Nurudinov, Deputy Mufti of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Yakutia, am the one who shared these details.
- Anyone is welcome to visit a mosque, regardless of their beliefs or origins. During the summer months, the mosque operates from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM. However, this destructive behavior—never before witnessed at the mosque—dates back to its construction in 1996 and its opening in 2005.
I was asked why such an individual could enter the mosque unchallenged: was he driven by any demands or slogans?
- Au contraire, there was nothing of the sort. He was drunk, straight up and simple.
The official account from law enforcement reveals that they apprehended a 29-year-old local after spotting his intoxicated state. They drawn up an administrative charge against him under Article 20.1 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses, including disrespectful conduct in a public place, uttering obscenities, offensive conduct, heckling, and damaging others' property. The penalties can include a fine between 500 to 1,000 rubles or a 15-day detention.
The offender stated in his police report: "On the morning of May 5, after a tumultuous night at a local club, I argued with a taxi driver and decided to wander into the mosque on Pyrogov Street. In my inebriated state, I behaved outrageously, damaging the mosque's property. I admit my wrongdoing and express remorse over my actions. I vow that this won't happen again."
Regarding any compensations from the offender or future security enhancements at the mosque, I, Nurudin Magomedovich, stated that our intentions aren't to punish him but to educate him about the right behavior. We wish to avoid legal complications. The financial damages will be addressed, and the amount should be known tomorrow. Enhanced security measures will be implemented to foil future incidents.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is presently investigating to discern the offender's motives. Actions will be taken based on the compiled evidence.
Stay tuned for further updates from Sakhapress.
- This destructive incident at the Cathedral Mosque in Yakutsk, though it stirred general-news and politics due to the public indignation, was not driven by any specific demands or slogans, but rather the actions of an intoxicated individual who caused the disruption.
- The event in Yakutsk's Cathedral Mosque, which fell under crime-and-justice discussions due to the destruction and public disorder, will lead to compensations from the offender for the damages and enhanced security measures at the mosque to prevent future incidents.