According to analysts
administrative irregularities, but also political motives are behind the
Supreme Court decision to close, a popular Islamic organization with
offices throughout Russia last week.
They also maintain that the closure
of the Centre for Islamic culture is linked to the Kremlin's desire to
bring the large Muslim community in the country under the control of a
single organisation loyal to the state.
On 25 May, the Supreme Court upheld the Ministry of Justice
decision to close the center for "multiple violations of financial
regulations."
"This is a bureaucratic order given by people who want a
puppet representatives for Muslims," the leader and founder ,
Abdul-Wahid Niyazov, told Russian media.
He explained how documentation
submitted by the Ministry for Justice was obtained under pressure from
the Security Service (FSB), the notorious Russian secret services.
Niyazov added that several directors of the Centre resigned following
threatening phone-call by the FSB.
The intention now is to take the case
to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Given the public arm of the Council of muftis - one of four
organizations representing Russian Muslims - the Centre for Islamic
Culture held exhibitions, press conferences, seminars and conferences
with religious authorities.
Its closure has been greeted positively by
the 'rival' Muftis body of the whole of Russia, established last
December with the active support of the Kremlin.
According to the
president of that organism, Mukhammedgali Khuzin, the Centre was also
damaging to the community and interfaith dialogue, but he added no
further explanation.
Alexander Soldatov, journalist, expert on religion columnist for
the site portalcredo.ru, the central government did not appreciate the
Centre’s initiative in organizing a mass prayer inside and outside the
central mosque in Moscow in November on the feast of Eid al -Adha.
"Immediately after that event - Soldatov said - the Kremlin was
frightened and established the body of Muftis in direct competition with
the Council."
Also, the Council is the main promoter of the
construction of new mosques in the capital - where there are four - to
meet the needs of the growing Muslim community.
But both the city
administration, the federal government does not seem willing to give up,
especially after clashes between ethnic Russian Christians and
Caucasians Muslims which erupted in the city in December.