Trial over British and Dagestani citizens adjourned

The Supreme Court of Dagestan adjourned the hearing of the case of a British citizen John Benini and a citizen of the Khasavurt region Mukhtar Ismailov, accused on several serious articles of the criminal code, till Tuesday, July 16.

Meanwhile, competent bodies will inquire into John Benini's identity through their diplomatic channels of Great Britain and Algeria. At first he called himself John Benini (he had no ID with him), but then he claimed to be Yusuf Said Saltai, born in Algeria but British subject. However, after speaking with him the British consul refused to confirm his allegiance to the British Crown.

Ismailov and Benini are charged with participation in an illegal armed formation, illegal purchasing and carrying of weapons and ammunition and illegal purchasing of drugs. Moreover, Ismailov is charged with illegal border crossing.