Chechen theologian publicly scolds Ingush woman for witchcraft

Adam Elzhurkaev, a theologian, has reprimanded Lida Ausheva, a native of Ingushetia, for rendering occult services; it follows from the report broadcast by the "Grozny" ChGTRK (Chechen State TV and Radio Company) TV Channel.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that since July 2019, Chechen authorities intensified their persecution of residents who provide occult services. There are regular reports on TV, in which local residents repent of practicing witchcraft.

Lida Ausheva, a resident of Ingushetia, was detained in Argun and suspected of engaging in witchcraft, the "Grozny" ChGTRK reported in a story posted at night on February 4 on the channel's Instagram page.

The video footage shows several people in a room; Adam Elzhurkaev, an expert of the Centre for Islamic Medicine and an elderly woman suspected of practicing occultism among them. Elzhurkaev holds conversation with Ausheva, the dialogue is not in Russian.

Towards the end of the conversation, the woman began crying. "Lida Ausheva received clients at home, and, according to her story, helped them in various problems, promising help in career growth, love spells and other family matters. Adam Elzhurkaev, a theologian, has held an explanatory talk with the female charlatan, explaining that witchcraft and defacement are prohibited in Islam," says the description to the video.

Social networks users were outraged by the public scolding of the woman. "Public pressure won't bring you anything," the user aisha______italiya has written. "What the sense is to show this circus?" the user ing_lns has asked.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 4, 2021 at 08:44 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.