In Sochi, antifascists call city head to destroy "hate symbols"

In Sochi, on November 16, the International Tolerance Day, at the end of the International Week of educational action against xenophobia "Crystal Night - Never Again", young antifascists gathered fresh photos of hate symbol available in the city and sent them along with their appeal to the local Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov.

"Hate symbols" is a collective name for graphics, numeral combinations and abbreviations used by neo-Nazis and nationalists to promote their views," explains Anastasia Nikitina, co-coordinator of the Youth Network Against Racism and Intolerance.

The photos made in different Sochi areas show nation-socialist swastikas, Celtic crosses and various other symbols, which may be found in public places of the city.

Activists painted over about a hundred such symbols by themselves, but for the last two months their number has increased so much, that it is difficult to fight with them without involvement of city services.

Besides, antifascists draw attention to the fact that the graffiti is deliberately made near the buildings of educational institutions and power bodies.

The appearance of nationalist graffiti and symbols is an administrative offence as demonstration of Nazi symbols; in certain cases it should be criminally persecuted, the young antifascists emphasize.

Apart from the appeal with photos, the package for the Mayor includes a list with most frequently met symbols, numerical values, and acronyms.

"In a sense, Sochi becomes a showcase for Russia in the eyes of foreigners; therefore, the city Mayor has a great responsibility that this showcase should not contain such heinous products like racist violence and hate," said Anastasia Nikitina.

Let us note here that in 2007 a similar package with a hundred photos was sent by residents of Krasnodar to the city Mayor Vladimir Evlanov; then, the hate symbols were painted over, and militiamen were explained their meanings.