Ullubiy Khanmurzaev, the former head of Buinaksk district, has commenced a hunger strike following his arrest on corruption charges. His detention raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability in regional governance.
Background on Ullubiy Khanmurzaev
Ullubiy Khanmurzaev was appointed as the acting head of the Buinaksk District Administration in January 2023. He succeeded in securing the role permanently in July 2023, winning overwhelming support from district council members.
- Appointed acting head: January 2023
- Elected head of municipality: July 5, 2023
During his tenure, Khanmurzaev faced scrutiny concerning his administration’s responsibilities. The Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission stated that his powers were terminated on November 21, 2025, due to his failure to address local issues effectively.
Corruption Charges and Arrest
On January 19, 2025, Khanmurzaev was arrested under suspicion of fraud. The head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, backed the district assembly’s decision to terminate his powers. Reports suggest that his resignation was anticipated since October, reportedly under pressure from Melikov.
Details of the Charges
According to the Public Monitoring Commission, Khanmurzaev is accused of failing to inform the parliament about a contract he signed with the Ministry of Defense. His actions have led to questions regarding adherence to the Labor Code.
Hunger Strike Declaration
Ullubiy Khanmurzaev declared his hunger strike from his detention facility in Makhachkala. Shamil Khadulaev, the head of the Public Monitoring Commission, communicated this via Telegram, confirming the official registration of the hunger strike.
Previous Achievements
Before stepping into politics, Khanmurzaev served as an investigator for the Russian Investigative Committee. He is notably recognized for solving a highly publicized kidnapping and murder case involving an eight-year-old girl from Kaspiysk.
- Victim: Eight-year-old girl from Kaspiysk
- Date of disappearance: July 29, 2018
- Discovery of remains: September 9, 2018
- Defendant detained: October 18, 2020
- Prosecutor’s demand: Life sentence
Khanmurzaev received an award from Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of the Investigative Committee, honoring his contributions to this case.
Political Context
Khanmurzaev’s political career has been intertwined with influential figures, such as former Secretary of State Magomed-Sultan Magomedov. Both Khanmurzaev and Magomedov faced significant scrutiny in recent months, as allegations surfaced regarding corruption and misuse of office.
The political landscape in Dagestan has been marked by instability, further emphasized by the detention of Magomedov by security forces on June 25, 2025. This context may have influenced the actions taken against Khanmurzaev.
Conclusion
Ullubiy Khanmurzaev’s hunger strike, alongside the corruption charges against him, signals a critical moment for accountability in Dagestan’s governance. As events unfold, they highlight the complexities within the political framework of the region.
