15:54, 15 October 2013

CoE: Russian power agents persecute natives of Northern Caucasus and the Gypsies

According to the report on the problems of nationalism and migrants, prepared by experts of the Council of Europe (CoE), the commission of the CoE against racism is fixing in Russia massive violations of the labour legislation and fundamental rights of migrants, as well as the harassment by law enforcers of natives from Northern Caucasus and Gypsies.

"There are indications that the anti-extremism legislation is sometimes used excessively and inappropriately against those who express politically unpopular viewpoints, against human rights defenders and members of religious minorities," the report says.

The authors also express their concern about the rise of radical nationalism and growing violence against people of non-Slavic appearance in Russia. "In 2006-2009, we saw a sharp increase in the number of acts of violence motivated by racism and applied against migrants from Northern Caucasus and workers-migrants from the countries of Central Asia," says the report.