13 June 2019, 23:55
Rights defenders explain weak resonance to case of Circassian activist Martin Kochesoko
The detention of Martin Kochesoko, a Circassian activist, failed to trigger the same resonance as the case of the Moscow journalist Ivan Golunov, because Russians are accustomed to human rights violations in Northern Caucasus, experts assert.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 6, in Moscow, Ivan Golunov, a "Meduza" website journalist, was detained; he wrote, among other things, about Southern Russia. After his detention, actions in his support were held throughout Russia.
Martin Kochesoko, the head of the NGO "Khabze", was detained in Nalchik on June 7. In the course of inspecting his car, law enforcers found a pack of drugs. Kochesoko claims that the pack was planted on him.
The broad public plays an important role in judicial cases, said Oleg Orlov, the head of the "Hot Spots" programme at the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial". However, according to his story, not everyone manages to win public support. He has also noted that in Northern Caucasus more often weapons are planted.
The fact that Golunov's case turned into a media dominant is explained by his "Moscow's registration", Andrei Serenko, a political analyst, is sure.
"Golunov's case has formed a nationwide information agenda, displacing many other topics in Russian regions," Mr Serenko has explained.
Attention to Kochesoko's story "will still be shown," says Svetlana Gannushkina, the head of the Civil Assistance Committee.
The scenario of planting drugs is demanded by law enforcers because of its efficiency and simplicity, Evgeny Chernousov, a lawyer, has noted.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 13, 2019 at 06:56 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Oleg Krasnov Source: CK correspondent
