Prosecutor's office finds extremism in actions of deputy head of Novocherkassk

In the Rostov Region, the prosecutor's office has brought a presentation to the head of city administration of Novocherkassk demanding to bring Vladislav Zhuravlyov, administration deputy head, to "disciplinary responsibility for extremist statements."

The prosecutor's check has established that on June 16, 2010, Mr Zhuravlyov said, when speaking to the meeting of Cossacks of Srednyaya village, that "the national Diasporas, existing in the city and Rostov Region" hamper the work and life of the city. He made special emphasis on the Armenian Diaspora.

Besides, as stated by Natalia Akhreeva, spokesperson of the Regional Prosecutor's Office, it follows from the materials of the check that Vladislav Zhuravlyov accused Cossacks that they and their atamans were only ruining the Don land, and that he "respects the Cossacks who had served in Hitler's Army and sees real defenders of Homeland in them."

After that, the ataman of the Novocherkassk regional branch of the Cossack society named "Grand Army of Don" turned to the city prosecutor's office.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed at the press service of the prosecutor's office that, since Zhuravlyov's public utterances may contain attributes of extremist activities, the prosecutor's office of Novocherkassk made a presentation to the city mayor (head of city administration) with a demand to bring the offender to disciplinary responsibility.

"At the same time, the materials of the check were sent to the investigatory division for deciding on initiating a criminal case against Vladislav Zhuravlyov under Part 1, Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code ("inciting hatred or enmity, or humiliation of one's dignity", - note of the "Caucasian Knot")," the press service has added. This article assumes up to two years of imprisonment.

Neither Mr Zhuravlyov, nor Novocherkassk administration officials, give any comments on the actions of the prosecutor's office.