51-year-old Aleksandr Gabyshev, who practices an ancient Siberian faith of interaction with a spirit world, was detained this week while camping near a highway this week while on an 8,000-kilometre trek to Moscow from Russia’s far east.
The self-professed Siberian shaman who was detained while on a cross-country pilgrimage to magically banish Russian President Vladimir Putin has been committed to a psychiatric ward according to authorities.
His detention has however made global headlines as human rights activists have started clamouring for his release. They have argued that Shaman or not, Gabyshev is entitled to his political views.
The health authorities in the Yakutia region have disclosed that they would be able to provide qualified medical help for Gabyshev.
