Ukraine / 05-08-2012
Antisemitic political proclamations have appeared in the streets of Mariupol
Mariupol – summer 2012. (The Ukraine, Donetsk district). Inter alia there appeared on the billboards an inscription (in the Russian language) “3rd of May – victory day of Sviatoslav from Khabarovsk on the Jewish Khazar Empire. I am proud and I remember! The Slavic Alliance.”
The Slavic Alliance of Ukraine is a political party registered since 2011. It is characterized is by a nationalistic ideology including a Slavic trait and a tendency to paganism, with a substantial component of xenophobia. The party’s activity is especially prominent in Harson and in Mariupol. The leader of “The Slavic Alliance”, Sergei Kirichenko, is a former Member of the Ukrainian Parliament from the Socialistic party of Harson. As of today Sergei Kirichenko is under investigation for nationalistic-type incitement (article 161 of the Criminal Code Compilation) for his numerous antisemitic and aggressive statements.
It may be assumed that the street proclamations are connected to the party’s ambitions to promote its candidates in the elections for parliament scheduled for autumn. At least in a few important districts, the wish of Sergei Kirichenko, who is under investigation, to receive MP immunity and to avoid punishment for fierce incitement is very obvious. It is true that experience has shown that the Ukrainian voter does not vote for politicians who base their election on antisemitic slogans alone. However, this does not turn the antisemitic propaganda worthwhile or accepted in a civilized society.
