The Caucasus Union and the Dagestan National Center have strongly criticized Interpol for its cooperation with Russia, which endangers the lives of fighters fighting for freedom and justice. The Russian authorities use Interpol mechanisms to declare wanted members of the International Legion of Ukraine as well as Caucasian independence fighters, accusing them of terrorism.
Leaders of the Caucasus Union said that such actions are a manifestation of genocide and gross injustice. Russia, they said, manipulates international structures for political repression by persecuting those fighting for the freedom of their peoples.
“Russia is using Interpol as a tool to suppress freedom and the rights of nations to self-determination. Declaring freedom fighters as terrorists is an attempt to cover up its own crimes and discredit those fighting for justice,” said a representative of the Dagestan National Center.
The problem is particularly acute in countries that border Ukraine – Poland, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania and Hungary. These are the countries that most often face extradition requests from Russia, which sets a dangerous precedent. The Caucasus Union calls on these countries to refuse to extradite the freedom fighters, emphasizing that handing them over to the Russian authorities endangers the lives of people facing unfair trials, torture and repression.
“Every country that agrees to extradition becomes an accomplice to repression and crimes against humanity. It is especially important that countries such as Poland and Romania, where the history of the freedom struggle has deep roots, show an example and refuse to support Russian requests,” said the representative of the Caucasus Union.
The Caucasian Union, the Dagestan National Center and the International Legion of Ukraine call on the world community to take decisive action:
- Exclude Russia from Interpol for abusing its mechanisms.
- Refuse to extradite freedom fighters to Russia, providing them with protection and asylum.
- Take steps to reform Interpol to prevent it from being used for political purposes. “Russia is using international institutions to continue its repression. We must unite to defend freedom and justice. The countries bordering Ukraine play a key role in this process,” stressed the leader of the Dagestan National Center.
International activists, politicians and human rights defenders call on the world community to oppose the abuse of Interpol and protect the rights of those who fight for the freedom of their peoples.
Source: big5ua
