Yuri Burlakov. Practical measures to counter the spread of radical nationalism taken by the prosecutor's office of the Saratov region

*We are publishing the abstracts of the report made at the seminar "Counteracting Radical Nationalism: Problems and Positive Practices" held in Moscow on April 26, 2005. The report is devoted, in particular, to the investigation into the murder of D. Sheikhov in the summer of 2004.

Author - Yuri Ivanovich Burlakov - Head of the Department of the Prosecutor's Office of the Saratov Region, Senior Counselor of Justice, Honorary Worker of the Prosecutor's Office *.

The prosecutor's office of the Saratov region pays serious attention to the problem of counteracting radical nationalism.

In order to improve the effectiveness of supervision and coordination of the work of all law enforcement agencies aimed at preventing and suppressing the anti-constitutional activities of religious, political and other informal organizations and movements, a permanent working group was created at the regional prosecutor's office in 2002.

The working group is led by the first deputy prosecutor of the region, the head of the investigative department.

Every year, taking into account the proposals of all members of the working group, it is planned to carry out the main activities aimed at identifying and blocking the channels for the entry into the territory of the region and, in transit, into the territory of the Russian Federation of pro-fascist and Islamist literature, film, photo, audio and video materials of extremist content, preaching "Wahhabism" and fascism, as well as countering and suppressing the activities of emissaries who preach these ideas.

Periodically, at the meetings, the reports of the members of the working group on the work done on the implementation of the action plan are heard, the most pressing problems, their joint implementation and coordination by the prosecutor's office of the region are discussed.

All members of the working group, when visiting the field, regardless of the purpose of the trip, check the state of affairs in the territorial divisions, and promptly exchange information.

Every year, all law enforcement agencies of the region hold activities to interact with national diasporas, religious denominations and informal youth organizations. Meetings are held with leaders and authoritative representatives of ethnic communities from the North Caucasus region to prevent possible acts of extremism and terrorism in the region.

The working group pays close attention to work with informal youth organizations, including the "skinhead" movement.

An analysis of the operational situation testifies to the periodic manifestation of activity on the part of the members of the so-called. "skin groups". This movement is constantly increasing. In the course of operational-search activities in the current year in Saratov, 75 people were identified (against 50 people in 2004) belonging to the "skinheads" movement, mainly from single-parent and dysfunctional families who drink alcohol, some of them are registered with psychiatrist.

These are usually young people aged 16 or over who have distinctive clothing (jeans, combat boots, short jackets), call each other exclusively by nicknames. They operate under the slogan: "Russia for the Russians."

In the case of a serious crime, they make special marks on their clothes, indicating a "sign of valor", tattoos in the form of a swastika.

Some of them study special literature that promotes ethnic violence, listen to and sing songs that promote racial intolerance.

They gather quite openly. These persons systematically carried out so-called actions, which consisted in searching the streets of the city and beating up people of non-Russian nationality, mainly Caucasians.

During the searches carried out on criminal cases, some skinheads were seized with flags, posters with a swastika, blanks for firearms, and ammunition.

In this regard, measures are being taken on an ongoing basis aimed at obtaining proactive information about impending acts of physical violence against foreign citizens and people from the North Caucasus region. Preventive work is being carried out to prevent members of the "skinhead" group from being drawn into illegal extremist activities.

Thus, during the implementation of operational measures, information was obtained about the intentions of members of one of the "skinhead" groups to arrange a mass brawl with people of Caucasian nationality on September 25, 2004 in the Kirovsky district of Saratov.

Timely measures were taken to prevent not only this action, but also on November 14, 2004, similar actions at the Sokol stadium were prevented. The seven most aggressive "skinheads" were brought to administrative responsibility for petty hooliganism.

In the first quarter of 2004, an analysis was made of the activities of law enforcement agencies to prevent and detect manifestations of extremism, which showed that some work in this direction is being carried out, however, it was carried out fragmented and insufficiently effective, which led to an increase in the number of young people who identify themselves as the skinhead movement.

In this regard, at the direction of the regional prosecutor's office, in May 2004, all district prosecutors of Saratov and large cities of the region (Balakovo, Balashov, Engels) created interdepartmental working groups to combat manifestations of fascism and other forms of extremist activity. The regional prosecutor's office quarterly receives reports on the work done.

In 2003 and in the first half of 2004, all city, district, inter-district, and transport prosecutors of the oblast carried out inspections of the implementation of the Law of the Russian Federation of July 25, 2002, "On counteracting extremist activity."

The mass media regularly publish national materials aimed at preventing the incitement of ethnic hatred and extremist activities.

In pursuance of the joint order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Federal Security Service of Russia No. 187 of 04/01/2004. an instruction was sent to the territorial internal affairs bodies to take appropriate measures to prevent acts of youth extremism, a working group was created from among the employees of the FSB, the Organized Crime Control Department, the Criminal Investigation Department, and a plan of joint operational-search measures to counter manifestations of extremism was developed.

In order to suppress the facts of religious extremism, the criminal police of the Central Internal Affairs Directorate of the region have established constant working contact with the leadership of the migration service of the region to obtain information about registered refugees and internally displaced persons, together with whose employees the places of mass stay of citizens are regularly checked in order to identify illegally arrived on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Under constant control is the activity of forced migrants from the Caucasian republics, including from the territory of the Chechen Republic. Together with the passport and visa service, police officers are working to establish the purpose of their arrival and control behavior in relation to persons arriving from the North Caucasus region.

The internal affairs bodies have established interaction with the Main Department of Justice of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation in the Saratov region. Organized development of national, cultural, religious and public funds, organizations, centers and communities of the peoples of the North Caucasus.

In the course of carrying out operational and preventive measures in the region, conversations are held with the leaders of spiritual departments and religious societies to prevent the spread of national and religious hatred, the spread of non-traditional extremist radical movements of Islam ("Wahhabism").

Islamic religious organizations of fundamentalist persuasion and preaching "Wahhabism" have not been found in the region.

There have been no cases of anti-constitutional extremist manifestations by Muslim and other religious organizations and associations registered in the region.

The solution to the problem of countering fascism and extremism among the youth in all districts of the region is directly carried out through preventive measures with adolescents and youth, their patriotic education, and the organization of both employment and leisure.

The complex of measures taken in 2004 made it possible to prevent any manifestations of extremist activity on the territory of the region.

In 2004, the law enforcement agencies of the Saratov region did not receive any materials, statements, messages and other signals related to manifestations of any form of extremism.

This year, criminal cases on crimes of an extremist nature were not initiated.

In 2004, two criminal cases were initiated in Saratov under Art. 105 hours 2 p.p. "g", "i", "l" of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in relation to persons belonging to the informal youth group "Skinheads" who committed the murder of a person of Avar nationality motivated by national hatred.

June 15, 2004 at about 10 p.m. 30 min. on the roadway at the intersection of Bolshaya Sadovaya and 5th Begovaya streets in Saratov, the body of Sheikhov Javad Israfilovich, born in 1964, was found with signs of violent death, in connection with which the prosecutor's office of the Oktyabrsky district of Saratov initiated a criminal case under Part 1 of Art. .105 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

The investigation of the criminal case from the moment of its initiation was taken under control by the prosecutor's office of the region.

In the course of carrying out investigative and operational measures in this criminal case, it was established that the crime was committed by Shevtsov A.S. 1986, Melentiev. D. A., born in 1986, Krasnoshchekov M.S. 1986, Proshenkov I.A. born in 1987

As part of the investigation of the criminal case, it was also established that, in addition to the named persons, three more persons not identified by the investigation were involved in the murder of Sheikhov, in respect of whom the criminal case under Art. 105 p.2 p.p. "g", "i", "l" of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, have been separated into a separate proceeding and a preliminary investigation, which has not yet been completed.

During the investigation and consideration of the case in court, the following was established.

In the first half of 2004, during a football match at the Lokomotiv stadium in Saratov, Krasnoshchekov met Melentiev (nickname Batman), Proshenkov (nickname Fox), Shevtsov (nickname Psycho), and three unknown persons. In the process of subsequent joint communication with them, Krasnoshchekov learned from them that they feel hatred for representatives of any other, non-Russian, nationality and consider themselves "skinheads".

All of them want to take actions based on a preliminary agreement on discrimination, the use of physical violence and the expulsion from the territory of Russia of all persons of non-Russian nationality.

On June 15, 2004, pursuing the goal of taking the life of any person of non-Russian nationality and thereby gaining authority among representatives of the "skinheads", Krasnoshchekov acquired a knife and, demonstrating it to his new friends, expressed his intention to test the acquired knife in action that same day.

Emphasizing his desire and intention to kill a person, he told one of the members of the "skinhead" group that on that day and with this knife he would kill a person of non-Russian nationality.

He also invited those present to take part in the murder.

All those present agreed to commit a murder motivated by national, racial hatred and enmity, and for this purpose they went in the direction of the Zavodskoy district of Saratov.

On the way, Krasnoshchekov, Shevtsov, Melentyev, Proshenkov and three persons not identified by the investigation agreed that if a person of interest to them is discovered, each must assist each other in killing him and strike with hands, feet, various objects picked up along their route and available to Krasnoshchekov with a knife, until death.

Actions were also stipulated in case of resistance on the part of their victim, as well as the openness of committing a crime and demonstrating it to others.

Implementing the agreement reached, Shevtsov broke off a leg from a table thrown at the fence of one of the houses to use as a crime weapon, and Melentyev and Proshenkov picked up empty glass bottles.

Armed with the indicated items, the young people saw a man of Caucasian appearance in one of the shops and watched him for a long period of time, but, without waiting for him to come out, they left.

Since everyone wanted to commit murder, they continued to travel around the city and looked for Caucasians.

On the way, they pursued another person who, by a lucky chance, was able to hide from them.

Both of these facts did not stop them from intent to kill.

The previously unfamiliar Sheikhov, who met them on the way, turned out to be a victim and paid with his life.

Acting in accordance with the previously reached agreement, Krasnoshchekov, Shevtsov, Melentiev, Proshenkov and persons not identified by the investigation caught up with Sheikhov. From Shevtsov's blow with the leg of the table, he fell. Krasnoshchekov, Melentyev, Proshenkov and three unidentified persons, who ran up, surrounded him together with Shevtsov and, in the presence of citizens passing by and in full view of the residents of nearby houses, began to beat him, inflicting several punches, kicks on the body and head of the victim.

In addition, Proshenkov and Melentyev inflicted one more blow on the head with the glass bottles they had, causing the bottles to break, and Krasnoshchekov inflicted at least six stabs in the back.

After the murder, Shevtsov stole the victim's cell phone.

Sheikhov died at the scene of the crime from his injuries.

Wine Shevtsov, Melentiev, Krasnoshchekov and Proshenkov under Art. 105 p.2 p.p. "g, l" of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, i.e. deliberate infliction of death on another person, committed by a group of persons by prior agreement, based on national racial hatred and enmity, was proven in court in full.

In addition, Shevtsov was found guilty of committing crimes under Art. 158 part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Art. 222 part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (theft of a cell phone and illegal acquisition, storage of the main parts of weapons seized at his place of residence).

On February 10, 2005, by a verdict of the Saratov Regional Court with the participation of jurors, the defendants were found guilty of committing a murder motivated by ethnic hatred and various terms of imprisonment were determined for them (from 5 to 13 years).

The fact that in this case a group focused on inciting ethnic hatred was working is evidenced not only by the testimonies of the convicts themselves, but also by the searches carried out during the investigation at their place of residence, as a result of which special literature, posters promoting nationalism, inciting ethnic strife, enmity, as well as rubber clubs, the main parts of weapons, etc.

So, what are the current problems of countering terrorism?

First, from the point of view of overcoming the manifestations of extremism, the emerging economic growth, increased business activity, and the gradual elimination of such deformations in the social sphere as long-term non-payment of wages, pensions, and benefits are important. Economic measures to prevent extremism and related crimes are of fundamental and decisive importance. Without them, other measures (social, cultural, educational, legal) may remain beautiful slogans, good wishes, not implemented. Measures are needed to improve the economy, increase employment, labor activity and improve living standards. A very important political measure to prevent and limit the spread of extremist views is the dialogue between various political forces that are a kind of antipodes, political opponents in relation to each other.

In the sphere of ideology, extremism must be opposed by a set of measures aimed at creating a positive ideological climate, preventing the replication of extremist views and ideologies, education, as well as enlightenment and education of the population, especially young people, with an emphasis on cultural diversity and spiritual unity of the population of a federal state. This set of measures should not be limited to one-time short-term, noisy campaigns. We are talking about a long-term, resource-provided program designed for the future and for consistent work to counter extremist ideologies, to the fullest possible exclusion from social and political life of any manifestations of xenophobia.

Unfortunately, it is necessary to note the deterioration in recent years of the situation with the spread of extremist ideologies in the Russian Federation. This is primarily due to the abuse of freedom of speech by the media, which often propagate extremist ideas and views. In particular, some mass media, expressing their negative point of view regarding certain representatives of extreme political or religious movements, highlight the essence of extremist ideologies. Extremist ideas expressed on TV screens and in printed publications may well receive support from the general population, regardless of the assessment that this or that journalist expresses in relation to them. The excessive intensity of poorly organized countermeasures by the boomerang effect may well contribute to the popularization and strengthening of extremist views in the public mind.

A certain set of measures should be taken in the field of education, education, as well as counter-propaganda of extremist views using the education system.

It is necessary to more actively involve young people in socially useful activities. Curricula designed for all levels of training and education should include anti-extremist provisions. It is necessary to restore the system of military-patriotic education of youth, to encourage the creation of youth and adolescent organizations with specific anti-extremist programs and attractive symbols, as well as the creation in municipalities with the support of local governments of clubs, sections and circles of interest. in this work, both state authorities of all levels and local governments, as well as public and religious organizations, defense and sports organizations, as well as the media, should take an active part.

As for the prosecutor's office, the prosecutor's office of the Saratov region will use all its powers provided for by the current one. legislation, to counter any manifestations of an extremist orientation.