Sochi Cossacks decide to exclude Grigory Uchkurov from Cossack society after incident with Pussy Riot (+video)

On March 4, Cossacks of Sochi decided, at their general assembly, to exclude Grigory Uchkurov from their ranks. In Uchkurov's opinion, the decision was caused by his support of Pussy Riot.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 19 members of Pussy Riot and the art group "Voina" (War) stated that they were attacked in Sochi by Cossacks, who sprayed tear gas and whipped them, when they tried to film a clip. Grigory Uchkurov said that in the video footage of the incident posted on the Internet he recognized Nikolai Kuts, the Ataman of the Tsentralny District Society of Sochi.

"They voted with mandates and accused me that I publicly expressed my opinion about Cossacks' behaviour. All have voted unanimously. After the assembly (known as 'Circle'), I am even more convinced of my rightness," Grigory Uchkurov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The female correspondent of the "Caucasian Knot" has reported that prior to the Circle, Cossacks attacked her and damaged her camera.

"I think what is happening is Grigory Uchkurov's persecution for his honesty, decency and unwillingness to tolerate criminal manifestations among those thought to protect law and order. Cossacks today also showed their true colours in attacking the journalist," Olga Noskovets, a Sochi environmental and political activist, who visited the Cossacks' Circle to support Grigory Uchkurov, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.