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Two Muslim clerics arrested in Russia amid confusing, unconfirmed reports of wider crackdown

Over the past several days, Russian Telegram channels and pro-Kremlin commentators have reported that several people connected to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of Russia have been detained. It has been officially confirmed that two people were detained: the Mufti of Mordovia, Rail Asainov, and the former Mufti of Karelia, Imam Wisam Ali Bardwil. The first case involves criminal charges; the second is administrative. Reports of detentions of other Muslim religious figures have not been confirmed. Here’s what we know, so far.