Russia has arrested two editors working for the digital Turkish publication GZT on alleged charges of “espionage” after they traveled to the Sakha Republic to record a vlog on Turkic communities and cultures.
After Russian anti-terror forces arrested Nazgul Kenzhetay and Emin Karaçak in front of the hotel they were staying at in the Republic of Khakassia on Thursday, they confiscated all their belongings and weren’t appointed attorneys, despite their repeated requests.
The two editors were filming a vlog on Turkic culture, music, cuisine and folklore dances before they were apprehended by Russian authorities.
Karaçak, who doesn’t speak the language well, was reportedly forced to sign papers “admitting his crimes.”
On Friday, they were sent to a deportation center in Khakassia’s capital city Abakan following a “sham trial” and placed in separate cells, where they were told they would be kept for ten days, after which they would be deported. However, according to information provided by the two detained editors, Russian authorities are prolonging the ten-day process.
According to the information obtained from Karaçak and Kenzhetay, the two editors are being kept in inadequate cells under 24/7 surveillance, even in the bathroom, with no heating, proper ventilation or hot water in a glaring violation of their privacy and human rights.
The two editors are also only allowed out twice a day for recess, while their phones were repeatedly scrutinized for evidence.
Local reports stated that Kenzhetay and Karaçak face accusations that include spreading “anti-Russian propaganda,” attempting to show that Turks under Moscow’s rule are living under grueling conditions, and spreading the message of Islam.
Journalist Emin Karaçak also stated that they had not experienced any hardships in Russia, noting that pressure from Russian authorities only increased upon entering the Turkic republics.
GZT editors have launched a social media initiative with the hashtag #FreeNazgulEmin in a bid to express solidarity with their coworkers.
