Activists treat decision on Tariq Topçu's case as positive signal for Circassian Diaspora

The verdict pronounced by the Supreme Court (SC) of Russia in favour of Tariq Topçu, deprived of his residence permit, will receive a positive response among members of the Circassian Diaspora, activists believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in 2018, the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) for Kabardino-Balkaria notified Tariq Topçu, a student of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University (KBSU), a citizen of Turkey and Germany of Circassian origin, that the permit for his temporary residence in Russia had been annulled. Tariq Topçu appealed against the decision on annulment.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by advocate Iland Abregov that the Russian SC had considered the complaint filed by Tariq Topçu and ordered to review the case.

"The Supreme Court of Russia has taken into account the arguments submitted by the defence. Of course, we count on the satisfaction of the administrative lawsuit filed by Tariq Topçu against the Kabardino-Balkarian MIA. He is an ethnic Circassian, and he came to study in his homeland. He did not violate the laws and does not do that now," noted Iland Abregov.

The decision of the Russian SC is perceived positively in the region, and Circassians hope for resolution of the case, said Akhmad Stash, the head of the "Perit", an NGO, engaged in assisting compatriots in repatriating and settling in the homeland of their ancestors.

"Such decisions [on annulment of a temporary residence permit] with respect to repatriates are negatively perceived by Circassians, since that affects questions of repatriation and prestige of Russia in the Circassian world," Akhmad Stash explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 23, 2019 at 12:25 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.