Islamist Putin Rival Who Incited Antisemitic Riots in Dagestan Found Stabbed to Death in Istanbul

Abakar Abakarov, a 49-year-old Dagestani activist known for his opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was discovered dead in Istanbul with multiple stab wounds, according to Turkish and Russian reports on Sunday. Abakarov, who had been wanted in Russia for allegedly organizing antisemitic and anti-government riots, was found in a rented villa after being missing for more than a week.

A cleaner reportedly found the body on Friday. Sources said Abakarov had been living under a false identity due to fears that Russian agents were pursuing him. Turkish authorities have opened an investigation, though no official statement has yet been released.

Abakarov was known as the operator of the Telegram channel “Morning of Dagestan” (“Utro Dagestan”), a strongly anti-Kremlin, antisemitic and Islamist outlet that routinely published content hostile to Moscow. In October 2023, the channel called on Dagestani residents to protest at Makhachkala Airport after rumors circulated that a plane from Israel had arrived. The protests quickly turned into violent antisemitic riots in which dozens of demonstrators clashed with police and sought to murder Israeli passengers. At least 20 people were injured, including nine officers.

Russian authorities identified Abakarov as one of the key figures behind the riots, alongside ex-MP Ilya Pomaryov and Muslim preacher Israil Akhmedanyev. All three were charged with incitement and tried in absentia in Dagestan’s Supreme Court. In November 2023, Russia placed Abakarov on its international wanted list.

The independent Telegram outlet SOTA later reported that “Morning of Dagestan” had initially been established by Pomaryov, who is now a Ukrainian citizen and the head of the “Freedom for Russia” Legion, which fights with Ukrainian forces. Pomaryov denied any recent connection to the channel, saying he had severed ties long before the riots. Telegram founder Pavel Durov eventually shut down the channel after the violent unrest.

Abakarov’s killing adds to growing fears among Russian enemies abroad, including those who are not spreading hate. Just days earlier, French authorities announced the arrest of suspects accused of plotting to assassinate Vladimir Uschakin, a Russian human rights activist who fled Kremlin persecution.

Turkish authorities are investigating the murder.