Pop singer Aza Bataeva's joining IS causes resonance in social networks

A video clip has appeared in social networks, reporting that the well-known Chechen pop singer Aza (Khazan) Bataeva has joined the "Islamic State" (IS) and is staying in the territory controlled by this terrorist organization banned in Russia. Users of social networks doubt the truthfulness of the video.

The fact that Bataeva has allegedly joined the IS became known to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent from Varvara Pakhomenko, a researcher with the International Crisis Group (ICG).

The above video shows a woman dressed in Muslim attire, fully covering her body and face (except for eyes) tearing into pieces the passport to the name of Bataeva.

In their comments, users draw attention to the atypical weapon seen in the venue, as well as to the luxurious interior of the apartment, where the film was shot and which does not fit the idea of life in the territory, struck by warfare.

The "Caucasian Knot" has no evidence that it is really Bataeva acting in the video, since it never shows her full face.

Let us note, however, that in January this year Aza Bataeva was put by the Russian Federal Service for Financial Monitoring on the list of individuals, known for their involvement in extremist or terrorist activities.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.