Deputy Mayor of Novocherkassk suspected of fomentation of interethnic animosity suspended from office

Novocherkassk city court suspended Head of municipal Administration Vladislav Zhuravlev accused of fomentation of interethnic animosity from office for the period of investigation.

According to the investigation’s data, on June, 16, speaking at a meeting of the Cossacks of the stanitsa of Sredniaya Novocherkasska Zhuravlev made statements aimed at motivating the Cossacks to commit unlawful actions against representatives of Caucasian ethnic groups residing in Novocherkassk, in particular, members of Armenian diaspora allegedly striving to seize power in the city.

In the opinion of the Cossacks present at the meeting, the defendant also made some incorrect statements concerning them accusing them of destruction of the Don land and calling the Cossacks who served in Hitler’s army during the Great Patriotic War defendants of Motherland.

Upon the verdict of the court, Deputy Mayor was suspended from office for the period of investigation of the criminal case. The investigation fears that Zhuravlev may bring pressure upon the witnesses on the case, 161.ru reports.

Vladislav Zhuravlev is sure that the process was caused by intrigues of his political antagonists and repeatedly declared his innocence. Mayor on Novocherkassk Anatoly Kondratenko abstained from comments, “Rostov News Agency” reports.