"White Tram" in Saratov

On September 15^th 2013 in Saratov, members of a nationalist “people’s assembly” associated with the activist group “Russian Joggers” organized what they called a “white tram”.

A group of young people boarded tram number 3 at the stop “Children’s Park”, stood by the doors and only allowed those of Slavic appearance inside the tram. Fortunately there was no direct violence, as no one tried to fight back at the aggressive youths.

While on the tram, one of the youths told the passengers about a clash between the “Russian Joggers” group[1] and some people from the Caucasus, and urged for the people to come participate in their meetings. Upon reaching the tram stop “Hay Market”, the youths exited the tram and parted ways.

Earlier that day, extreme-right activists from the groups “Rights”[2], “White Saratov”[3], “Russian Joggers”, and the Saratov branch of “Russians”[4] held a meeting in the center of Saratov by the monument to Chernyshevsky. The meeting’s theme was the abovementioned clash, and it was attended by several dozens of young people. The event was also guarded by the police. The meeting went on for over an hour, after which about 20 people marched from the Chernyshevsky monument to the covered market on Kirov Avenue while chanting slogans. A number of participants were seen taking a photo after this, posing with their hands up in a Nazi salute.

[1] “Russian Joggers” is a nationalist movement dedicated to the overall health and strength of the Russian people. Their meetings combine physical activity with nationalistic rhetoric, and frequently run through the streets of certain cities in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus while holding nationalist flags.

[2] “Rights” is another nationalistic group dedicated to “protecting” of the indigenous Slavic peoples of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus against others, especially migrants. Their focus is on banning certain “unhealthy” things from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, including drug and alcohol addiction and homosexuality, as well as trying to impose stricter visa requirements against people from Central Asia and other non-Slavic states.

[3] “White Saratov” – a Saratov-based ultranationalist group, focused on ethnic homogeneity in Russia.

[4] “Russians” is a prominent right-wing radical movement found throughout Russia that was created over two years ago by combining several smaller organizations together. It is very politically active.