Statement by the Yabloko Bureau, 14.06.2019

In August 2018, protests began in the Republic of Ingushetia against the transfer of part of the territory of the region under control of the authorities of the Chechen Republic. A corresponding, and in fact, backstage agreement was signed by the heads of the two regions on 26 September, 2018, without taking into account the opinions of the residents of Ingushetia. Beginning in October 2018, protests against the backstage transfer of territories became widespread – dozens of thousands of citizens took part in them and maintained the peaceful nature of their actions throughout all the period of the protest.

On 26 March, 2019, a mass rally of many thousands, agreed with the authorities, took place in Magas [capital of Ingushetia], the reason for which was a legislative initiative on the possibility of changing the borders of the republic without a referendum. After the end of the permitted action, several hundred people remained on the parking place of the local television and radio company, without chanting any slogans or unfolding banners. At about 4 a.m., security forces made several attempts to disperse people who had not committed any unlawful actions. Due to unprofessional actions of the security forces, who unreasonably applied force to the protesters, representatives of both parties to the conflict got various injuries and bruises.

The authorities and the security forces unleashed reprisals against leaders and members of the protest movement. Over a hundred and fifty people were arrested, sentenced to mandatory labour and fines, and criminal prosecution began against twenty-six of them.

We regard the actions of the Ingush authorities using law enforcement agencies for reprisals and pressure on activists as unacceptable. Not only young people, but also elders, such as Akhmet Barakhoyev and Malsag Uzhakhov, suffered from repression.

We believe that such actions are provocative. They lead to further escalation of the conflict and increased tensions throughout the country. The unleashing of reprisals against peaceful protest leads to deterioration of the socio-political situation in Ingushetia, a complete loss of influence by the regional and federal authorities.

Today, feedback mechanisms between government officials and people have not been built in Ingushetia and in the whole of Russia. Absence of free media and independent deputies in the parliaments of most regions make this situation critical, leading to a lack of trust in citizens towards the government and a desire to be heard, especially in a situation of exacerbation of the most important social and political problems.

The only way out of this situation is a peaceful dialogue between the authorities, members of the public and ordinary citizens. If all parties wish betterment for their land, then they need to learn to respect each other, hear a different point of view, and discuss controversial issues point by point until a compromise is found.

We urge the country’s leadership to abandon the implementation of the forced option and resolve the situation exclusively by political means.  Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, head of the Republic of Ingushetia, should give the law enforcement agencies a clear signal about the inadmissibility of persecution and repression against activists. All leaders and protesters must be released. Only such actions will create the ground for a real dialogue, peaceful and constructive negotiations between the government and society.

Emilia Slabunova,

Chair of the Yabloko Party