A 21-year-old resident of Dagestan named Magomed S. was fined for inciting hatred against Russians in a UFC Telegram chat. The Kizlyar District Court reviewed the case under Article 20.3.1 of the Administrative Code regarding incitement of hatred. Officers from Center E discovered the violation in comments Magomed made three years ago in the UFC Eurasia Telegram chat, where he argued with other users and made inflammatory statements about Russians, though he apologized within 90 minutes. In court, Magomed admitted guilt and expressed remorse. He was found guilty and fined 10,000 rubles.
A 21-year-old man from Dagestan identified as Magomed S. has been fined by a Russian court after making inflammatory statements about Russians in a UFC-themed Telegram chat group.
The Kizlyar District Court in Dagestan heard the case under Article 20.3.1 of the Russian Administrative Code, which covers the incitement of hatred or enmity toward social groups. Investigators from Center E, the Russian interior ministry unit that monitors extremism, uncovered the comments during a review of online activity. The statements were made roughly three years before the case came to court, inside the UFC Eurasia Telegram chat, where Magomed had become embroiled in an argument with other users and posted remarks directed at Russians. He deleted or walked back the comments and issued an apology within 90 minutes of posting them.
When the matter reached court, Magomed admitted guilt and expressed remorse for what he had written. The judge found him guilty and imposed a fine of 10,000 rubles.
Why it matters
- The case illustrates that Russian authorities are actively monitoring fan and interest-based chat groups, including those centered on combat sports, for prohibited speech.
- Comments made years earlier remain actionable under Russian administrative law, even when the author apologizes quickly.
- The relatively modest fine reflects Magomed's admission of guilt and demonstrated remorse, but the conviction itself still stands on his record.
