Kartapolov called on the security services to take a closer look at MMA and “underground” mosques

The head of the Duma Defense Committee, Andrei Kartapolov, called on the Russian special services to “take a closer look at underground, semi-underground houses of worship” for those professing Islam. The statements were made on the air of Vladimir Solovyov’s program on the federal television channel, during the speech of the deputy paid attention channel “Caution news”.

According to Kartapolov, “we have mosques, we have imams” and they “explain <...> how to believe, how to pray, what to pray for.” If “this is some kind of underground house of worship, then it is most likely a sect.”

“And if it’s a sect, then it’s most likely a foreign agent,” the deputy believes.

He also called for close attention to the popularity of martial arts among Muslim youth and the proliferation of gyms in which young men interested in MMA train.

“We remember that they gave rocking chairs in the 90s!” – said Kartapolov.

From his words it follows that he considers modern “semi-underground” athletes unreliable, just like their idols – professional fighters.

“Where were these MMA champions when they went to destroy the airport and kill people?” the deputy asked. “Nobody said anything.” <...> We need to look at this very carefully.”

Previously, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on social networks called not to punish Dagestanis who staged a pogrom at the Makhachkala airport. The head of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, answered him in absentia that everyone is equal before the law, but they will not punish everyone. Thus, according to the official, those who directly participated in the riots will be held accountable before the law, but not those who “simply stood with the Palestinian flag.”

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