Seventeen individuals detained after the unrest at Makhachkala International Airport have filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Dagestan, challenging their arrests. The information comes from Zarema Mamaeva, who heads the regional court’s press service, confirming that the appeals are progressing through the higher jurisdiction as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
Earlier, the Sovetsky District Court in Makhachkala ordered pretrial detention for these suspects, a measure that lasted roughly two months as investigators prepared the case materials and prosecutors prepared formal charges. The preliminary detention was part of a broader response to the events that unfolded at the airport during the incident, with authorities outlining the scope of the criminal case as involving mass unrest.
According to official statements, 17 appeal packets were submitted to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Dagestan, each pertaining to alleged violations under Part 2 of Article 212 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers participation in mass riots. The cases are linked to the disturbance at Makhachkala International Airport, an incident sparked by the arrival of a service flight from Tel Aviv that prompted a large crowd to enter the airport premises, leading to a chaotic scene and subsequent security operations. The authorities later managed to restore order and detain a significant number of individuals who were involved in the melee.
During subsequent judicial review, nine of the submitted materials had already been examined by the higher court, with all nine findings resulting in decisions that upheld the lower court’s actions or legal conclusions. The ongoing appellate process demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to reviewing the legality and appropriateness of detention measures and the conduct of the participants within the framework of established law.
In the days surrounding the incident, regional officials and religious leaders condemned the events as provocative acts external to Dagestan’s communities, stressing that the unrest did not reflect the region’s values. The central government also expressed concern about the unrest, noting that it appeared to be influenced by outside factors. Civil authorities emphasized the need for calm and urged restraint among residents while reinforcing public safety measures during a tense period in the region and across the broader area in question.
Earlier assessments from security services indicated that the financial impact of the airport disturbances reached substantial levels, with damages reported in the hundreds of millions of rubles. Investigators and prosecutors continued to document the full extent of losses, including disruptions to transport operations, property damage, and the costs associated with restoring normal airport function and security protocols. The broader implication of these events underscores the importance of preventing external provocations and maintaining stable conditions for air travel and regional commerce.