France, Alternative Libertaire AL - international, Russia
Crimea: The case Koltchenko (fr, it, pt) [machine translation]
Anarchist, anti-fascist activist and social rights in the Crimea, our friend Alexander
Koltchenko was taken hostage by the Russian authorities. Kidnapped by the FSB (former
KGB), he is now being held in special prison Lefortovo (Moscow). Putin's justice accuses
of "attack" and "involvement in terrorist organizations" ---- Alexander, however, for
years has demonstrated his anti-fascist views, is accused of belonging to Pravy Sektor, a
far-right organization whose role in the events in Ukraine is largely overstated by
official Russian propaganda. ---- Today in Russia, while militant, regardless of political
views, whether of the left or liberal anarchist can be accused of being a member or
supporter of Pravy Sektor.
This situation is comparable to that of the Stalin era where it was seeking "Trotskyists"
almost non-existent or in the hunt for communists in the United States at the time of
McCarthy. The nationalist and authoritarian Putin regime uses every conceivable argument
in its propaganda beginning with religious prejudices and elements of the conspiracy
theory and to racism. This system parasite anti-fascist rhetoric. Therefore, anyone who
disturbs can be accused of being "fascist" even if that person is views opposed to
fascism, that is to say, even if it is left or anti-authoritarian.
The persecution of the anti-fascist Alexander Koltchenko and filmmaker and activist Oleg
Sentsov (both included by the investigating judges in the same "terrorist" organization)
is purely political. It serves to intimidate the inhabitants of Crimea in order to prevent
any opposition action in the peninsula.
In Crimea annexed all the most authoritarian repressive methods are used to silence
discontent. Because of threats to life and freedom, many people have already left the
Crimea, including of human rights, student activists and trade unionists, anarchists and
anti-fascists and the community activists Crimean Tatar. The latter, also face
discrimination based on nationality, since the annexation of the peninsula.
That risk Alexandre Koltchenko?
Alexandre Koltchenko faces up to twenty years in prison, a whopping penalty for an
"attack" in which he is not involved. He and other Ukrainian political prisoners are held
only in order to demoralize the opposition by judicial intimidation trial. The freedom of
these prisoners is directly related to the stability of the Putin regime. If the activists
managed to destabilize the insurance Putin and his impunity, the prisoners would be free.
We can not hope that the trial Koltchenko or Senstov be just or conducted under the Act.
Their arrest is arbitrary, the charges against them are pure falsifications. And all this
is not an error because the system is in full consciousness.
How can we help Alexandre Koltchenko?
We call on the leftist movements and foreign libertarians to support Alexander Koltchenko.
You can organize actions, send support letters to Alexander, raise money to pay his
lawyers and food parcels, help his family. It is also very important to disseminate
information about his case. We must dissociate themselves from those who support the
aggressive expansion of Russian nationalism even if it is masked by a "left" rhetoric and
"anti-imperialist". Putin's regime will be fine sympathy, keep it for his victims.
When can you start this campaign of support?
You can start today by helping us spread this text by translating it in different
languages, sending it to your friends.
We also call on you to organize actions to support Alexander Koltchenko and other
political prisoners in the period from 1 to 7 April 2015. The terms of detention
Koltchenko Sentsov and end respectively on 11 and 16 April. In early April, the Court of
Lefortovo must decide on the security measure: either they remain in prison, or they are
not allowed to leave the Russian territory or under house arrest.
Only a strong and broad pressure on Putin's regime and protests around the world that will
give our friends a chance to get out of prison. We demand their immediate release and the
cessation of all public action against them.
Contact us: freekolchenko@gmail.com
This article is from the website of the Russian libertarian communist organization
Avtonomnoye Deïstviye .
https://avtonom.org/fr/news/rejoignez-nous-et-participez-aux-journees-internationales-de-solidarite-avec-alexandre-koltchen
http://www.alternativelibertaire.org/?Russie-Crimee-L-affaire-Koltchenko
