Terrorists explode spiritual leader of Tatarstan Republic

A terrorist attack was conducted on July 19, in Kazan, Tatarstan.  The attackers targeted the  mufti of the republic, Ildus Fayzov. The terrorists blew up his car; the mufti suffered injuries, but survived. The same day in the morning, but an hour earlier, former deputy mufti Waliullah Yakupov was killed in his apartment.

Two criminal cases have been filed in connection with the attacks. All major religious and government facilities, as well as leaders of the Muslim clergy of Tatarstan were taken under police control after the attacks.

The explosion and the murder occurred before the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Mufti's car blew up at  approximately 11:00. At first it was reported that several people were killed, although the information received no official confirmation. Afterwards, it was said that the mufti suffered injuries, but stayed alive.

The powerful explosion occurred on Musin Street, near Yamashev Prospekt., said Tema Kazan. According to eyewitnesses, the driver managed to jump out of the vehicle (actually, he was thrown out by the blast, which saved his life, officials said). The driver only suffered injuries of his leg.

"The Mufti went out of his home and got into the car to go to work. The explosion occurred the next moment. The mufti was hospitalized to city hospital number 15," officials said.

A witness said that the mufti's vehicle had burnt down.; the blast blew out the windows in apartment buildings nearby. None of the bystanders was injured, no casualties were reported.