MOSCOW, July 29 (RAPSI) – The Prosecutor General’s Office is to check if criminal proceedings have been launched against Abdulmumin Gadzhiyev, a journalist of Chernovik newspaper, after the Presidential Council for Human Rights spoke in his defense, the advisory body's press-service says on Monday.

The Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Dagestan is instructed to thorough check the information presented by the Council in order to timely respond to possible violation of the law, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office statement. The body also reports that the results of the probe are to be made known to the Presidential Council, whereas the case will be monitored by the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Earlier, Gadzhiyev was charged with membership in a terrorist organization and financing of terrorism. His colleagues believe the charges are made in connection with his professional activity.

Mikhail Fedotov, Chairman of the Presidential Council for Human Rights, has appealed to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Dagestan authorities with respect to Gadzhiyev’s case. He has also met with the founder of the newspaper to discuss the alleged pressure on Chernovik.