Penza, 31 December 2013. PenzaNews. Investigative bodies of the Investigative Committee of the Penza region completed a criminal investigation against Ali Yakupov, imam-hatib of the local mosque “Mahhalah No. 44” in Srednyaya Elyuzan village of Gorodischensky area, who is accused of committing crimes under Part 1 Art. 280 of Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Public Calls for Effectuate Extremist Activity” and under Part 1 Art. 282 of Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Excitement of Enmity and Hatred, and Likewise Demeaning Human Dignity.”

“According to the investigation, from September 2012 to April 2013 the defendant being imam-hatib (Mullah) of the mosque and using his religious authority, repeatedly and publicly expressed appeals aimed at inciting national and religious hatred during the sermon in order to form negative emotional attitude towards a particular ethnic group,” the Senior Assistant of the Head of the Investigative Department of Investigative Committee in Penza, Media relations division, Lyudmila Fomina told news agency PenzaNews on Tuesday, December 31.

She added that by now sufficient evidence has been gathered upon the criminal case, so it has been sent to the court for consideration on the merits.

As news agency PenzaNews reported earlier, imam-hatib of the mosque in Srendyaya Elyuzan village, the Penza region, “Mahhalah No. 44” (jurisdiction of the Council of muftis of Russia), hafiz of the Quran Ali Yakupov was detained on his way to Malaysia, where he was about to participate in the Quran reciters competition.

By officially unconfirmed information, imam called believers for the extermination of the Jews and establishment of the rule of Islam on the land of Palestine.