Relatives of Dagestani native Dalgatov, who died at police station, speak out against pre-trial agreement with defendant

Relatives of Makhachkala resident Kurban Dalgatov, who died at a police station after being detained, demanded to cancel the pre-trial agreement with one of the accused, Islam Atavov. At trial, the former law enforcer downplays his role in torturing Kurban Dalgatov, a lawyer presenting the interests of the deceased man’s family reports.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on July 4, the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF) announced the completion of the investigation into the case against eleven employees of the Sovetsky District Police Department of Makhachkala, accused in the case on the death of Kurban Dalgatov. The criminal cases against Islam Atavov and Marat Babaev, two other policemen, who entered into pre-trial agreements, have been separated, reports lawyer Madina Alieva, who represents the interests of the deceased man’s family.

According to the case materials, Islam Atavov played a “significant role” in torturing Kurban Dalgatov. “Marat Babaev dealt with two other detainees, hit them once, but did not participate in the torture any more. Witnesses testified that later, Marat Babaev left the office and watched Kurban Dalgatov being tortured,” the lawyer stated.

Relatives of Kurban Dalgatov have opposed the pre-trial agreement with former policeman Islam Atavov, since “his testimony does not match the charge brought against him,” lawyer Madina Alieva reported.

“Islam Atavov claims that he was only keeping the Kurban Dalgatov’s arm. However, according to the testimonies voiced by other defendants, he actively participated in the torture that resulted in the detainee’s death,” the lawyer explained.

However, the court refused to grant the motion to cancel the pre-trial agreement without explaining the reason.

Shamil Khadulaev, the chair of the Dagestani Public Oversight Commission (POC), confirmed that, according to his information, Islam Atavov tried “to protect himself in every possible way,” which cause the indignation of the Kurban Dalgatov’s relatives.