Rabadanov says there was a conspiracy against him
Shamil Khadulaev, who chairs the Public Monitoring Commission of the Republic of Dagestan, reported via a Telegram channel that Rabadanov was detained on Makhachkala Street on the evening of November 6. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
According to family members, men approached Rabadanov and inserted a grenade into his jacket. He was taken to the Makhachkala temporary detention center. The claim about the incident comes from family sources and local rights observers. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
Khadulaev stated that Rabadanov was arrested because of his role as an observer at trials of Dagestanis in Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
Rabadanov was a well known figure in Dagestan, actively involved in human rights work, frequently appearing in court and supporting people detained during the disruptions at Makhachkala airport in October 2023. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
That incident saw locals rush the runway and surround a plane arriving from Tel Aviv after an attack by Hamas militants. The airport later reported damages and more than a hundred criminal cases were opened. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
Rabadanov’s apartment will be searched
Authorities have not released official information about the arrest. Rabadanov’s son, Zaur Rabadanov, said a search was planned at his father’s home. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
“I’m at my parents’ house right now. The officers want to conduct a search, and I am waiting for them to present the order. From what I understand they intend to apply Article 222 of the Criminal Code.”
Article 222 covers unlawful acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, or transport of weapons, their main parts, and ammunition. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
If charged, the commentator could face up to five years in prison. If authorities determine involvement in a criminal organization, the sentence could reach up to ten years. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
What is Rabadanov famous for?
Rabadanov is a recognizable figure in Dagestan with a long history in Rings promotional events, commentary on freestyle wrestling, and voice work for films. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
His rise to national prominence came after a widely shared internet clip from 2008 featuring his reaction to the Russia versus the Netherlands quarterfinal in the European Championship. The moment included the remark about finding “such a tiger.” The clip became iconic across the country. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.
He also delivered a vivid take on the third goal by the Russian team, when the Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar failed to stop the ball. He suggested that van der Sar should retire and even go to hospital. Citation: Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission.