Latest news with #Dagestan
Al Arabiya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Russia convicts dozens for anti-Israel riots at Dagestan airport two years ago
Russian courts sentenced 135 people to lengthy prison sentences in connection with a mass anti-Israel protest in October 2023 at an airport in the predominantly Muslim Dagestan region, the country's Investigative Committee said on Friday. Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters stormed an airport in the city of Makhachkala, where a plane from Tel Aviv had just arrived, in unrest in the North Caucasus over Israel's war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Investigators said they had collected evidence against 142 people and completed probes into the participation of 139. The three other people - whom investigators said had organized the riots via posts on a Telegram channel - have been put on Russia's wanted list. The 135 convicted people were given prison terms ranging from 6-1/2 to 15 years for participating in mass riots and other crimes. Investigators did not name the people, nor say how they pleaded. Video footage at the time showed the protesters, mostly young men, waving Palestinian flags, breaking down glass doors and running through the airport shouting 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greater). More than 20 people were injured before security forces could contain the unrest. No passengers on the plane were hurt. President Vladimir Putin blamed the West and Ukraine for the unrest, without providing evidence. Kyiv denied any role and the United States strongly condemned the violence.
Reuters
5 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Russia convicts dozens for anti-Israel riots at Dagestan airport two years ago
MOSCOW, July 18 (Reuters) - Russian courts sentenced 135 people to lengthy prison sentences in connection with a mass anti-Israel protest in October 2023 at an airport in the predominantly Muslim Dagestan region, the country's Investigative Committee said on Friday. Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters stormed an airport in the city of Makhachkala, where a plane from Tel Aviv had just arrived, in unrest in the North Caucasus over Israel's war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Investigators said they had collected evidence against 142 people and completed probes into the participation of 139. The three other people - whom investigators said had organised the riots via posts on a Telegram channel - have been put on Russia's wanted list. The 135 convicted people were given prison terms ranging from 6-1/2 to 15 years for participating in mass riots and other crimes. Investigators did not name the people, nor say how they pleaded. Video footage at the time showed the protesters, mostly young men, waving Palestinian flags, breaking down glass doors and running through the airport shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is greater). More than 20 people were injured before security forces could contain the unrest. No passengers on the plane were hurt. President Vladimir Putin blamed the West and Ukraine for the unrest, without providing evidence. Kyiv denied any role and the United States strongly condemned the violence.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
PFL champion Khizriev allegedly shot by two gunmen
The Professional Fighters League says it is "aware of the situation concerning Timur Khizriev" after a video posted online appears to show the Russian featherweight champion being shot multiple footage shows Khizriev, 29, being attacked by two gunmen as he exited his car in Makhachkala, being shot, Khizriev grapples with one while the other fires at close range, before escaping further harm by fleeing the is in stable condition, according to Russian media reports, but suffered numerous injuries to the shoulder, hand, and chest, and is undergoing surgery."PFL is aware of the situation concerning Timur Khizriev, and remain in close touch with his representatives," the mixed-martial arts promotion said in a statement."Our thoughts are with him and his family during this time."Khizriev has won the first 18 fights of his career and beat Britain's Brendan Loughnane in November to win the PFL's featherweight tournament.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Merab Dvalishvili sounds off on Umar Nurmagomedov: 'Where is he now?'
The post Merab Dvalishvili sounds off on Umar Nurmagomedov: 'Where is he now?' appeared first on ClutchPoints. Fresh off a remarkable run as bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili has never shied away from speaking his mind on contenders and the ever-shifting landscape of the UFC's 135-pound division. In a candid recent interview, Dvalishvili set the MMA world abuzz with his pointed assessment of Umar Nurmagomedov, a fighter many believe is a legitimate threat but, according to the champion, hasn't done nearly enough to earn the top billing fans and pundits have thrust upon him. Dvalishvili's Message: 'Experience and Activity Matter' Dvalishvili was clear in drawing a line between the accomplished Petr Yan and the up-and-coming Nurmagomedov, stating, 'Petr Yan is better than Umar because Petr has already had many fights with top fighters. He has more experience. He's constantly active, constantly fighting.' The message: real championship pedigree comes not just from talent and potential but from enduring the crucible of the division's elite, night in and night out. 'Umar… we've only seen him fight against me and Cory. He needs to fight the top guys in the division. Sure, Umar is a good fighter, but he needs to stay busy all the time. Where is he now? Why isn't he fighting?' Dvalishvili pressed, echoing concerns shared by some observers who have watched the Dagestani standout's UFC trajectory stall due to injuries and scheduling woes these past seasons. The roots of this critique trace to what Dvalishvili values most in an opponent: activity and résumé. He sees Yan, who has run the gauntlet of former champions and perennial contenders, as a model of what it means to be at the top. Dvalishvili's take is unfiltered but steeped in respect for the grind, and it is this ethic that has carried him to the top of the sport. While acknowledging Nurmagomedov's skills and the brilliance that saw him rise through various levels of competition, Dvalishvili's central argument hinges on a gap in experience against the division's very best fight after fight. In his view, only by staying 'constantly active' and 'constantly fighting', and not disappearing from the rankings for months at a time, can a fighter truly lay claim to elite status. Of course, reacting to Dvalishvili's assessment, some fans have pointed to Umar's impeccable record and precision inside the Octagon; his victory over Cory Sandhagen and his technical acumen continue to turn heads. But for Merab, the proof is in the longevity and level of opposition. The question he poses, Where is he now?, lands with palpable frustration, alluding to a perceived absence that Dvalishvili believes diminishes any claim to a title shot ahead of more seasoned, more visibly active contenders. Merab Dvalishvili 2025 Fighter of the Year As Dvalishvili's career continues to surge, the MMA world recognized his achievements at the highest level when he won the 2025 Fighter of the Year ESPY. Dvalishvili's run through the bantamweight ranks wasn't just about grinding wins; it was about making statements. His victory was marked by consistency, tenacity, and a willingness to engage with every style and every challenge the division could throw at him. Whether defending his belt against top challengers or calling out those hiding in the shadows, Merab's style was assertive, his pace unrelenting. Winning the Fighter of the Year ESPY marked the first time a bantamweight had seized the award in several years, reaffirming his place not just atop the 135-pound landscape, but in the conversation for the best pound-for-pound athletes in the sport today. Furthermore, this achievement underscores the very argument Merab made about Nurmagomedov. Activity breeds recognition. Staying present, taking on all comers, and facing adversity head-on isn't just the foundation for winning titles, it's the path to capturing the hearts of fans and the respect of peers and pundits alike. As the bantamweight division continues to evolve and contenders jockey for the next shot at gold, Merab Dvalishvili's challenge to Umar Nurmagomedov lingers in the air: 'Where is he now? Why isn't he fighting?' For those who believe in the gospel of activity, the answer is simple. In MMA, as in life, you can only silence the critics by showing up and proving yourself, again and again, on the sport's biggest stage. Related: 5 best light heavyweight UFC fighters ever Related: UFC Abu Dhabi suffers major blow as Evloev vs. Pico pulled from card
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
MMA star 'shot five times in ambush by masked gunmen, with PFL champion rushed to hospital after escaping'
PFL champion Timur Khizriev is recovering in hospital after being shot five times during an ambush by two masked gunmen in Dagestan, Russia. The incident is said to have taken place on Tuesday evening, with dramatic footage shared on social media appearing to show the undefeated fighter being targeted shortly after stepping out of his car. In the clip, two hooded attackers can be seen sprinting towards Khizriev before opening fire at close range. Despite being struck, the 29-year-old managed to grapple with one of the assailants, while the second continued to fire. Khizriev escaped further harm by sprinting away from the scene, leaping over parked cars to safety. MMA Junkie later reported that the Russian's management confirmed he is in hospital but doing well, assuring the outlet that his 'life is not in danger.' As of the time of writing, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was connected to Khizriev's public profile or personal life. Khizriev has already built a formidable reputation in the MMA world - and last year marked the pinnacle of his career so far. Hailing from Makhachkala, the Russian star first made waves on the domestic scene before earning a contract with Bellator in 2022. But it was his move to the PFA that truly put him on the map. He enjoyed a flawless 2024 campaign, racking up four consecutive wins to capture the PFL featherweight title. His run included victories over Brett Johns, Enrique Barzola, and Gabriel Alves Braga, before he capped off the year with a dominant performance against England's Brendan Loughnane in the final. Speaking after that triumph, Khizriev paid tribute to his opponent and reflected on the emotional toll of his journey. 'He is a former champion. A tough fighter. Yes, he took a lot of damage, I was honestly surprised. We have to give love to him, hats off. He is a tough dude,' he said. 'That was a very tough and a long road. My family took a lot from me in this fight. I was very nervous. Now I have to give back when I go back home.'
