Circassians in Turkey protest Russia over activist's arrest

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Circassians in Turkey protested Russia yesterday (September 1) over the house arrest of activist Martin Kochesoko.

In an event organized by the Federation of Circassian Associations (KAFED), thousands of people sent carnations to the Russian Federation Embassy in Ankara on the occasion of World Peace Day.

The KAFED members gathered in Ankara but were not able to stage a protest in front of the embassy as the police do not allow demonstrations near diplomatic missions for "security reasons."

Kochesoko, who heads the Xabze Xase association in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in Russia, was detained for possession of illegal drugs on June 7, 2019.

Circassians believe that this was an excuse for a politically motivated arrest.

Kochesoko's hearing will be held tomorrow.

"This repression against Martin Kochesoko, the chairperson of a non-governmental organization, is a clear violation of freedom of association, freedom of expression and prohibition of ethnic discrimination," KAFED deputy chairs Adnan Arslan and Ünal Uluçay said in a statement.

"We demand an end to the repression and prevention of Circassian activists and non-governmental organizations. We reiterate our desire for justice for Martin Kochesoko," they remarked.

The indictment against Kochesoko says he was caught while he was going to the Urukh village to collect the cannabis he sewed in November 2018. The police detained Kochesoko during a road control, alleging that there was cannabis in his car.

The activist faces up to 10 years in prison according to Article 228 of Russia's criminal code. (TP/VK)