Russia: Putin warns of rising 'nationalism'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 August 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Putin warns of rising 'nationalism', 25 August 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/503f1ccfc.html [accessed 20 June 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 25, 2012
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said nationalists are taking advantage of democratic freedoms.
"Today more and more often, under the guise of development of democracy and freedom, various ethnic nationalist groups are raising their heads. They take part in rallies, work on the Internet and among teenagers and students," Putin said.
He said ethnic aggression must be confronted and he rebuked local officials for failing to stop violence.
"We do not have the right to ignore any negative tendencies which arise in this sphere. We should understand that conflicts may not only weaken the state and society but destroy its
foundations," Putin said.
Putin was speaking at the first meeting of his Council on Inter-Ethnic Relations held August 24 in Saransk, capital of central Russia's Mordovia region.
Putin's comments come a day after nationalist football fans attacked supporters of a team from the Muslim North Caucasus province of Daghestan in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russia has seen several outbreaks of ethnic violence in recent years.
In December 2010, nationalist football fans rioted near the Kremlin, attacking non-Slavic passersby and clashing with police.
Russia is home to over 200 ethnic groups.
Based on Reuters and Interfax reporting
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
