New video with magician's detention in Chechnya shows inefficiency of public apologies

After a "warning conversation" with officers of the Chechen Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Khusain Gatsaev, a resident of the Naur District, apologized on the air of the "Grozny" TV Channel, that he provided occult services. Despite the numerous detentions of magicians and their public apologies, interest in occultism in the republic does not fade away, authors of the TV report admit.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that after in July, the Chechen authorities intensified the persecution of people engaged in provision of occult services. The "Grozny" TV Channel showed at least seven stories in which local residents repented of their engagement in provision of the occult services.

"Khusain Gatsaev used talismans and amulets to put a love spell, attract good luck, and scare away evil spirits. The occult services provided by the man were in great demand," the "Grozny" TV Channel reported in its new story.

Khusain Gatsaev said that people addressed him for help on various occasions. In one case, a man who was tormented by genies came to him for help, while in another case, he was addressed by a man who "had no luck in business." Besides, Khusain Gatsaev also noted that most often young women addressed him for help.

Milana, a staff member of a Chechen NCO, says she does not approve both the activities of people who provide occult services and the actions of public offices.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the chair of the "Civic Assistance" Committee, emphasizes "it is not the police, but doctors and scientists should deal with those people."

The mere practice of magic or witchcraft is not a reason for detention of people, notes advocate Evgeny Chernousov.