Adler authorities distance off from incident with destruction of popular memorial

The Mayoralty and communal services of the city of Adler, a Sochi District, were not involved in the destruction of the popular memorial in the place of the dismantled memorial sign "Monument to Russian Soldiers' Feat" in Adler, local authorities assert. The unauthorized demolition of a monument is called vandalism, a lawyer has explained.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 7, 2021, a popular memorial was set up in the place of the sign "Monument to Russian Soldiers' Feat" demolished in July 2020. But already on January 9, activists reported that unknown persons had removed candles, a memorial plaque and photos.

"Some unknown people came, broke and took away the monument ... I haven't seen any official authorities' decision on dismantling the monument," said Vladimir Garanin, the chairman of the Council of Elders of the Cossack Society in Adler.

According to his story Cossacks are in favour of the return of the monument.

"At this historical stage, it is Russia that is Circassians' natural ally that could play an important role in Eurasian integration based on traditional values ... In the Anglo-American global world, Circassians, with their conservative ideals of respect for elders, rigid gender roles, etc. are total strangers," Frol Vladimirov, a historian, has stated.

Asker Sokht, the chairman of the NGO "Adyge Khase", believes that the monument to all those who perished in the Caucasian War could become a place of reconciliation if the issue of installing such a monument is brought up for public discussion.