Chechnya's leader in Caucasus — a mountainous region of Russia dominated by Muslims — has ordered residents to stay away from psychics, sorcerers and others professing powers in the realm of magic.
Ramzan Kadyrov, who is supported by the Kremlin, said that "turning to wizards and false healers won't bring [people] any relief and is banned by Islam," according to a report from The Associated Press. He followed his order with a threat: Anyone found practicing the magic, or seeking advice from those who lay claim to sorcery or psychic talents, would face arrest or detention from security forces.
Chechnya is rife with believers in the dark arts.
The AP says local lore is that Chechnya draws Islamic spirits called djinns.
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Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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