ABOUT THE RUSSIAN RED ARMY CHOIR TOUR PLANNED TO BE HELD ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIRCASSIAN EXILE AND GENOCIDE AND THE CRIMEAN TATAR EXILE AND GENOCIDE

It is announced that the Russian Red Army Choir will organize concerts and shows in different cities of Turkey between May 14 and May 22, 2024. The Circassian Nation, which fought to protect its homeland against Russian expansionism for 101 years, was defeated on May 21, 1864 and lost the vast majority of its population, numbering in the millions. Crimean Tatar Turks, who were also victims of Russian imperialism, were exiled under very difficult conditions by the decision of the Stalin regime on May 18, 1944, and countless people lost their lives on the way to exile. Circassian Nation and Crimean Tatar Turks, who suffered greatly and lost millions of innocent people due to the imperial policies of Russia, whose inhumane methods have not changed even though its name or form of government have changed, are commemorating the victims of genocide and mourning the lives lost in various commemorations in different parts of the world on the anniversaries of these dates. These commemoration programs, which are effective in introducing Russia's inhumane practices to the world, are viewed with annoyance by the Russian state. In the past years, Russian state officials made great efforts to move the commemoration programs held in front of Russian embassies to different addresses, and they were successful in this. For several years, commemorations of exile and genocide have not been allowed in front of Russian representatives in Turkey. Russia wants to take this situation, which it has turned to its advantage, one step further and organize festivals and concerts on these anniversaries.

It is not a coincidence that the dates planned for the Russian Red Army Choir's tour include the commemoration of both the Circassian Exile and Genocide and the Crimean Tatar Exile and Genocide, and not a coincidence, but a clear provocation. While Russia should be ashamed of the exiles and genocides for which it is responsible, on the contrary, trying to create a festive atmosphere in these days of mourning is an indication of how far away it is from humanity. The tour of the Red Army Choir clearly reveals how far modern Russia is from understanding the suffering of the Circassian and Crimean Tatar peoples, who were victims of Russian fascism, barbarism and tyranny. Anyone who feels responsible towards humanity should refrain from supporting Russia's dirty plan.

In this context, as the Circassian Nation, we call on the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the organizers of the event, on behalf of humanity, to put aside political, diplomatic or financial concerns and do the right thing and cancel the tour of the Russian Red Army Choir.

It is announced to the public with respect.

​