Circassian activist Martin Kochesoko* treats his criminal prosecution as unjustified

Martin Kochesoko*, an activist from the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR), who had moved to Europe, has treated his criminal prosecution in Russia for evading the duties of a foreign agent as unjustified.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 22, it became known that law enforcers had opened a criminal case against Martin Kochesoko* for his failure to fulfil the duties of a foreign agent. In December 2023 and February 2024, he was fined due to the absence of a "foreign agent" label tag in his publications.

Kochesoko himself has treated the new law enforcers' claims as "absurd like the previous ones." "I believe that I was appointed as a 'foreign agent' for no due reason, and signing my works as someone I am not is absurd," the activist has added.

According to Kochesoko*, he headed the public organization "Khabze", but by decision of a Russian court it was closed a year ago. "The organization was engaged in the popularization of the Circassian culture and language, organizing cultural events, as well as establishing connections among Circassians living at home and in the Diaspora," Martin has explained, emphasizing that he now lives in Europe and does not take part in activities of any public organizations.

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.