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Russia cannot have sharia courts instead of secular courts - Fedotov

Moscow, April 25, Interfax - Mikhail Fedotov, the head of the Presidential Human Rights Council, believes the creation of sharia courts replacing secular courts is unacceptable in Russia.

"The creation of parallel judicial systems is impossible in a modern law-governed state. It undermines the foundation of the justice system," Fedotov told Interfax on Wednesday.

Lawyer Dagir Khasavov has recently made threats against people who prevent the creation of sharia courts in Russia. The Yabloko party has already asked the Prosecutor General's Office and the Investigations Committee to take measures in connection with those statements.

"Attempts to force sharia courts on people are only possible in theocratic states. Our state is secular, thank God," Fedotov said.

"Only a crazy person who wants to fan religions feud can threaten people with bloodbath," Fedotov said.

Fedotov said the only way sharia courts can be created in Russia is to give them the role of arbitration courts.

"You can do what you want in the framework of arbitration, but it has to be in line with the legislation on arbitration courts or mediation. We have arbitration courts, mediation, or, for example, a public collegium on press claims. Those who see fit may use the extrajudicial procedures for settling disputes. Sharia courts can find themselves a place on that list. However, decisions made by these quasi-judicial bodies have no legal force, except when the law expressly decrees it," Fedotov said.

Khasavov earlier said on federal television that Muslims in Russia do not want to go to secular courts and therefore should use sharia courts. The lawyer said that big bloodshed may happen if sharia courts are not created in Russia.

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