August 12, 2022

Azov, a New Terror?


Azov, a New Terror?
Flag of the Azov Regiment Wikimedia Commons, Spekaron

On August 2, 2022, The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation officially declared the Azov Regiment a “terrorist organization”.

The Azov Regiment was founded in May 2014 to fight in the Donbas War. The regiment soon after became a part of the National Guard of Ukraine. Previously stationed in Mariupol, the regiment has continued to battle Russian forces since the February 24, 2022 invasion.

The Azov Regiment has, however, used symbols that may associate it with neo-Nazism, and its leadership over the years has been known to make racist statements. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, removing Nazi ideology was one of the initial objectives of invading Ukraine

Following the siege of Mariupol, Donetsk People’s Republic officials said captured Azov Regiment troops could receive the death penalty. Now, the highest court in Russia has declared the regiment a terrorist organization. Participants in the regiment could face 10 years in prison, and the leadership could get 20 years.

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