The Circassian people's fight for justice and Russia's dark history

In a twist of historical irony, Vladimir Putin’s aggressive campaign in Ukraine has cast a renewed and intense global spotlight on Russia’s often suppressed past, particularly its legacy of imperial conquest, colonial aggression, and ethnic cleansing.One part of this shadowy history now receiving increased scrutiny is the plight of the Circassian people. These are descendants of survivors of a brutal 19th-century campaign waged by Czarist Russia to eradicate them. The Circassians are now calling on the world to recognise these atrocities—mass killings, systematic cultural erasure, and forceful evictions—as a genocide.Get Full Access for Ksh299/WeekBold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.Unlock Full AccessUnlimited access to all premium contentUninterrupted ad-free browsing experienceMobile-optimized reading experienceWeekly NewslettersMPesa, Airtel Money and Cards acceptedAlready a subscriber?Log inFollow The Standard
channel
on WhatsApp

One part of this shadowy history now receiving increased scrutiny is the plight of the Circassian people. These are descendants of survivors of a brutal 19th-century campaign waged by Czarist Russia to eradicate them. The Circassians are now calling on the world to recognise these atrocities—mass killings, systematic cultural erasure, and forceful evictions—as a genocide.Get Full Access for Ksh299/WeekBold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.Unlock Full AccessUnlimited access to all premium contentUninterrupted ad-free browsing experienceMobile-optimized reading experienceWeekly NewslettersMPesa, Airtel Money and Cards acceptedAlready a subscriber?Log inFollow The Standard
channel
on WhatsApp

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special
offers!

Pick your favourite topics below for a tailor made homepage just for you