After the khimki case in summer 2010 and the heavy repression of state with violent interrogations, situation of anarchist and antifascist in russia was getting worse in beginning in december. Positive is the fact that maxim and alexej were set free in between, but this does not mean the case is over, it just made situation more comfortable for our comrades.
But the general situation in russian society gets worse for antifascist struggle with a killing of a russian football hooligan by a “caucasian” followed by racist pogroms in the streets of moscow against people who look not “slavic”. The case was nothing special in a way, as armed conflicts between football hooligans often take place. The killing was directly used by nazis and other nationalists in a direct anti-caucasian campaigning leading to massive and bloody violence against non-white people in the streets. On the other side, also caucasian nationalists used the case for their protests. Through a hughe remembering march at the 11th of december with thousands of racists and lots of violence against passing by “caucasians” and through mass media, which took the topic as a hot-topic, the “question of migration” was placed in publicity. It looks like the state has an interest in supporting racist stereotypes and showing again as a strong force against “criminals from outside”. On the other side, uncomfortable topics like the burning woods last summer and working strikes are easier to be ignored by politicians when there is a populistic hot-topic. For antifascist activists it is getting more difficult to take position against racism, when the stereotypes are strengthened in society again. The report of the human right organisation “sava” names 37 to 41 murderers in 2010 committed with racist or fascist background in russian federation, rising tendencies in december.
For the 19th of january, the second anniversary of the murder on stas and markelov takes place with a demonstration of a wide oriented campaign which made last year 1500 people possible in moscow against fascist violence. This demonstration was in between not permitted but now, few days befor the event it is legally permitted.
This day can be used also internationally to show solidarity with the antifascist struggle in russia.
For more information, watch: http://19jan.ru/
