Mass commemoration of Temirkhanov shows Chechens' protest potential

The mourning events in memory of Yusup Temirkhanov, convicted for murdering Yuri Budanov, which took place not only in Chechnya, but also in many cities abroad, have demonstrated the Chechens' unity in relation to authorities' actions and human rights violations in the republic, the political analysts, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot", believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Yusup Temirkhanov died in the colony, where he served his sentence for killing Yuri Budanov. He was buried on August 4; and his mourning events were over on August 6.

The many-thousand-strong mourning events showed the fallacy of the opinion that after two military campaigns Chechens are incapable of protests, said Ali Magomadov, a political analyst.

"The mourning events demonstrated the unity of Chechens in Europe, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan; they indicate a real attitude to current authorities ... (This) is a very serious signal for the Kremlin ... The events surrounding the death of Yusup Temirkhanov reflect the public consciousness ... This is a demonstration of force, moreover, of the organized one," Mr Magomadov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to Timur Alkhastov, a political analyst, it has become dangerous to express one's viewpoint and fight for justice in Chechnya.

"Let's take at least Oyub Titiev's trial. In Europe, people can defend their position without fear of repressions ... People in Chechnya are deprived of such an opportunity, although in a considerable part of the population dissatisfied has accumulated for years; and the tezet for Yusup Temirkhanov was a moment when the dissatisfaction splashed out. The active part of the regional society showed its strength," Mr Alkhastov has suggested.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 18, 2018 at 02:43 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.