In Cherkessk, protestors demand from authorities to recognize Circassian genocide

Karachay-Cherkessia held mourning ceremonies to mark the Day of memory of victims of the Caucasian War. Circassians feel discrimination in the implementation of their constitutional rights, and for the recognition of the genocide, they need the support of public organizations. This was stated by participants of the rally held in Cherkessk, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

On the day of the 151st anniversary of the end of the Caucasian War, Karachay-Cherkessia held a series of events, including rallies and ceremonies to lay wreaths to the monument to the victims of the Caucasian War, the press service of the leader and the government of Karachay-Cherkessia reports.

Earlier, Circassian activists have reported on the refusal of the City Mayor's Office to sanction an equestrian procession on May 21 to mark the Day of memory of victims of the Caucasian War. According to the Mayor's Office, the refusal was caused by the fact that the notification had been filed too late.

According to Mukhamed Cherkesov, the Chairman of the movement "Adyge Khase-Circassian Parliament", in the context of the global challenges faced by Russia, only the compliance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the dialogue on current problems will help to consolidate a multi-ethnic society.

Mukhamed Cherkesov has noted "a number of political, socio-economic and cultural problems that have put the people on the brink of extinction." According to him, the Circassians, who live abroad, are not able return to their historic homeland.

He has also claimed that the Circassians consider "that correct if the Russian authorities will officially recognize the fact of the genocide carried out by the Russian Empire against the peoples of Circassia in the 19th century".

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.