Paul
Goble
Staunton, June 8 – Sometimes Russian
repression against one individual distracts attention from similar acts of
repression against other individuals and groups. Sometimes it has just the
opposite effect and ensures that the latter gain the kind of attention they
might not otherwise get.
But what is especially important in
either case is to connect the dots, to see how what Moscow is doing in one
place informs or even defines what it is doing in another, lest some commentators
by focusing on only one side minimize the threat or open the way for the Kremlin
to win points by making concessions in one case but not in any others.
Almost the entire Russian opposition
and many in the West have been outraged by the arrest of Moscow investigative
journalist Ivan Golunov and the way in which the powers that be have planted
drugs on him so as to be able to discredit him in the eyes of Kremlin
supporters and to bring more serious charges against the journalist.
Unfortunately, as this has happened,
Russian officials have adopted exactly the same strategy and for the same
reasons against Martin Kochesoko, a Circassian activist and leader of the Khabze
organization, arresting him and planting drugs on him because of his staunch support
for freedom and the rights of his people (afterempire.info/2019/06/09/kochesoko33/).
What is even worse and more
instructive about the nature of the Russian powers that be is that there is
clear evidence that in Kochesoko’s case, the authorities plotted this well in
advance and have embedded the charges against him into a larger campaign
against all Circassian activists who dare to criticize Russian oppression.
Those who are defending Golunov should
also be defending Kochesoko. They can find good reporting on his case at kavkazr.com/a/29988347.html,
caucasustimes.com/ru/v-nalchike-arestovan-cherkesskij-aktivist-martin-kachesoko/,
circassianprogress-rus.blogspot.com/2019/06/blog-post_8.html
and afterempire.info/2019/06/09/kochesoko33/.
The actions taken against both are
rooted in politics, not drugs. Golunov
has exposed the criminal activities of Putin’s power vertical and the oligarchs;
Kochesoko has taken the lead in declaring that “the constitution isn’t working,
federalism is being destroyed, and the powers have distanced themselves from the
people and thereby deepened the systemic crisis” (windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2019/05/circassians-must-govern-themselves.html).
The case Russian officials have trumped
up against the Circassian leader should spark just as much outrage as the one they
have manufactured against Golunov. They deserve no less. (For background on Kochesko’s
impressive activities all too often passed over in silence in Moscow, see kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/336453 and kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/325671/).
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