Minister In Russia's Tatarstan To Resign Over Police Abuse Scandal

Asgat Safarov has been under incresing pressure to step down as interior minister of Tatarstan.

Officials say the interior minister of Russia's central Republic of Tatarstan has submitted his resignation in the wake of the scandal over a suspect who was detained and allegedly tortured to death by police.

Officials said on April 5 that the formal announcement of Interior Minister Asgat Safarov's resignation was expected soon.

The death of 52-year-old Sergei Nazarov, who was allegedly tortured with a bottle, in March in Kazan has led to a public outcry, with rights activists calling for Safarov's firing.

Russia's Investigative Committee and federal Interior Ministry have launched probes into the incident and similar alleged incidents in Tatarstan.

Five Kazan police officers have so far been fired over the case and charged with abusing their positions, forging arrest papers, and deliberate infliction of serious bodily harm.

Based on reporting by Interfax and Russian media