Fugitive Russian Telegram channel owner found dead in Türkiye photo

Abakar Abakarov, the owner of the Telegram channel Utro Dagestan, who had been on Russia’s international wanted list, has been found dead in Türkiye, Russian media outlets reported.

According to acquaintances of the deceased, Abakarov’s body was discovered on the morning of October 17 in Istanbul. Reports indicate that he died from multiple stab wounds. The exact circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been disclosed, and Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Abakarov had reportedly fled Russia and been living in Türkiye under a different name after being placed on an international wanted list in connection with the unrest at Makhachkala airport in 2023.

The violent incident occurred on October 29, 2023, when mass riots broke out at Makhachkala airport following the arrival of a regular flight from Tel Aviv amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Several hundred people stormed the airport terminal and the airfield before being dispersed by law enforcement officers.

During the unrest, more than 20 people were injured, including members of the police force. Authorities detained 201 individuals for public order violations, and administrative charges were filed against 155 of them.

By Tamilla Hasanova