The criminal prosecution of Larisa Tuptsokova has alarmed human rights activists.

The case against Larisa Tuptsokova could set a precedent for the prosecution of others who have collaborated with the Tbilisi cultural center, although the charges against the journalist are unfounded. Signatories of the petition in her defense noted Tuptsokova's significant contribution to the preservation of her native language.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," journalist and Circassian activist Larisa Tuptsokova reported in October that security forces conducted searches of her parents' home in Adygea and questioned her relatives in an extremism case. Around 30 human rights defenders and activists from Adygea, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and the Krasnodar Territory appealed to Murat Kumpilov to demand that the criminal prosecution of Larisa Tuptsokova be dropped due to the lack of evidence of a crime.

After searches and interrogations conducted in October, security forces have no longer been active in the criminal case of extremism brought against Larisa Tuptsokova in Adygea, the journalist herself told the Caucasian Knot.

"There has been no further activity since the search of her parents' home and the interrogation of her relatives; no new notifications have arrived. It's too early to talk about a lawyer at this stage, but we are staying in touch with lawyers and consulting with them throughout the process," said Larisa Tuptsokova.

Tuptsokova noted that she was touched by the appeal published in her defense by human rights defenders and activists. "Concerned citizens living in their homeland have issued a collective appeal to the head of the Republic of Adygea. The signatories include well-known human rights defenders, cultural figures, scientists, journalists, and others. "Furthermore, several other appeals have been made by Circassians in the diaspora: in particular, the chairman of the Pluralist Democratic Party in Turkey addressed the republic's leadership in their native language," she added.

The authorities of Adygea have not yet responded to the appeal, said lawyerZaur Shokuev. "We have not yet received a response to the appeal; we are waiting," he told the Caucasian Knot.

According to Shokuev, he values Larisa Tupcokova's multifaceted contribution to the preservation and popularization of the Circassian language and culture, and therefore spoke in her defense.

"Her main contribution is related to the translation of Georgian poetry into Circassian, which is a kind of cultural bridge between the two neighboring peoples. She was also involved in scientific publishing as the compiler and editor of publications on the study of her native language. "She organized cultural events and was involved in organizing the Caucasian Poetry Festival in Georgia, which annually brought together both local poets and writers, as well as representatives from the North Caucasus republics, allowing Circassian poetry to be presented to a wider audience. She also taught online, ensuring accessibility for native speakers regardless of geography," Shokuev noted.

He noted that Larisa Tuptsokova's activities at the Circassian Cultural Center ended in the fall of 2023, long before the Russian Supreme Court designated it an extremist organization.

"That is, the incriminated event itself did not occur; chronologically, Larisa Tuptsokova's activities at the center and the designation of this organization as extremist do not overlap. And to prosecute under Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, it must be proven that she continued to participate in the organization's activities after the court decision came into force," the lawyer pointed out.

The human rights activist also did not rule out the possibility of criminal prosecution for other people who collaborated with the cultural center in Tbilisi. "It's not out of the question," he noted.

Human rights activist Valery Khatazhukov also does not rule out the possibility of other Circassian activists being prosecuted. "That's why we're trying to get the criminal case dropped, because it could set a precedent for other people who once had some kind of ties to the center. We hope that such a precedent won't happen, of course, but we can't rule anything out," he told the Caucasian Knot.

According to him, Tuptsokova has never been involved in political activity. "She didn't speak out in support of any particular people; she always focused on her very important work: she did everything to preserve the Circassian language and culture, and popularized the language among young people. To this end, she translated a wide range of literature into her native language. This is crucial for the functioning and preservation of the language. Such people cannot be persecuted without justification. We hope that common sense will prevail," he noted.

Khatazhukov also hopes that the public outcry will influence the authorities' decision. "This appeal wasn't the only one in her defense: various people are speaking out, offering assistance, including legal assistance. Many support her, and we hope that the authorities will draw their conclusions, reconsider their decision, and drop the criminal prosecution. She worked at this center long before it was declared extremist; there are no legal grounds for her prosecution," he emphasized.

Larisa Tuptsokova has lived in Tbilisi for over fourteen years, and all these years she has done a great deal to preserve her native language, noted one of the signatories of the appeal, who wished to remain anonymous. "She dedicated herself to preserving and developing the Circassian language and culture, creating educational courses and videos. Thanks to this, Circassian lessons are becoming accessible not only to Circassians living in Russia but also to anyone interested in the language around the world. What's unique about her work is that it helps preserve the language in a context where it's increasingly rare in schools and lacks modern teaching methods," he told the Caucasian Knot. Without people like Larisa Tuptsokova, the threat of the Circassian language's complete extinction would become even more real, the activist believes. "Today, Larisa Tuptsokova is one of the key figures in the revival of the Circassian language. She combines traditional approaches with new tools to ensure that the Circassian language and culture continue to thrive and develop. Without such patriots, there will be no native language. Such people should be encouraged, not persecuted," he emphasized.