Has a $3,700 fine been imposed for praying in Russia?

In Russia's Stavropol region, fines of up to 300,000 rubles ($3,700) have been imposed for praying in public. According to local media, praying in public places has been deemed an unauthorized public event.

It is reported that the Andropov district administration has issued a notice prohibiting public prayers in non-designated places. The local authorities have described such prayers as an unauthorized public event, stating that this is a violation of the law and will result in a fine.

Mufti of the Stavropol Regional Muslim Religious Administration, Muhammad Rakhimov, confirmed that they had also received this document. According to him, no one in Stavropol arbitrarily prays on the streets:

"Almost all of our events are held in special buildings with the permission of the authorities. Therefore, there is no need to hold illegal gatherings. If unauthorized gatherings are held, of course, this should be punished," said Mufti Muhammad Rakhimov.

The mufti also noted that Friday prayers are held in 135 locations in Stavropol and that he does not feel any restrictions or pressure on freedom of religion.