Makhachkala, Russia – The Head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, has reported to President Vladimir Putin about the potential consequences that await the organizers and participants of the recent disturbances at the Makhachkala airport. “Those who fall under the corresponding articles of either criminal or administrative offenses will be held accountable. I have informed Vladimir Vladimirovich about this,” he stated. Melikov emphasized that he does not advocate for punishment without trial or investigation. “I echo what Vladimir Vladimirovich and the head of the Investigative Committee have said – we need to objectively understand and punish those who organized and provoked this event and involved people,” explained the regional leader. He added that the guilty should not escape responsibility, “while those who are innocent should not be subjected to it.”
On Sunday evening, residents of Makhachkala broke through the runway at the Uytash airport, where a flight from Tel Aviv had just arrived. It was reported that they were searching for Israeli citizens who had arrived, as well as inspecting vehicles leaving the area. Disruptions ensued, leading to the temporary closure of the airfield. Flights destined for the capital of Dagestan were redirected to alternative airports. Security forces arrived at the scene, and soon after, Rosaviation announced the removal of unauthorized individuals from the runway. The Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case regarding the organization of mass disorder. The identities of 150 individuals have been established, with 83 of them being detained. Yesterday, courts in Dagestan arrested 15 participants in the disturbances for periods ranging from three to ten days, while two others were sentenced to corrective labor.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the events in Dagestan were incited through social media, including from Ukraine, by the hands of Western intelligence agencies. According to him, intelligence services, law enforcement agencies, and regional leaders must act firmly, promptly, and clearly to protect the constitutional system, the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as interethnic and interreligious harmony.
