Block, Siteadmin, SkipCaptcha, Upload, Automoderated users, delete, edit, move, nsTeam2RO, nsTeam2RW, nsTeam2_talkRO, nsTeam2_talkRW, protect, rollback, Administrators, template
292,441
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 18:
Line 18: + + + + + +
→Origins
==Origins==
==Origins==
The roots of the Azov movement can be found in the Neo-Nazi soccer hooligan scene of [[Kharkiv]]. Andrei Biletsky was the central figure of the nascent movement for the longest time. A Kharkiv native, he joined numerous nationalist organizations, for example the Lviv-based “Tryzub”. He also actively supported the Kharkiv cell of the [[Social-National Party of Ukraine]], now renamed Svoboda. In 2006, Biletsky founded Patriot of Ukraine, a nationalist organization that engaged in street violence and [[terrorism]]. Biletsky's patron during this period was [[Arsen Avakov]], an [[Armenia]]n-Ukrainian entrepreneur and politician. In 2005-2010, Avakov was the governor of Kharkiv oblast. During this period, Patriot of Ukraine was unofficially deputized by Kharkiv police. Biletsky's gang helped the [[police]] patrol the streets for [[illegal immigrant]]s, and also to combat illegal businesses. Aside from their political activities, they served as enforcers for Avakov's business ventures and reached a significant level of political protection.
In 2011, Biletsky and several of his comrades were arrested for organized robbery; in early 2014, Avakov became Minister of the Interior after the [[Euromaidan coup]] and had them released from prison. The relationship with the hooligans continued. Russian Neo-Nazi Sergei Korotkikh aka “Botsman” is a personal friend of Avakov's son. Botsman also leads a separate Azov unit, the “Botsman Boys”.
Biletsky's Patriot of Ukraine group joined the [[Euromaidan]] protests and the notorious Pravy Sektor. Biletsky's men took part in the post-Euromaidan civil strife. Then known as “Little black men from Kharkiv”, they published threatening video messages to the Russian population; they rode around the country and engaged in political violence.
==Anti-Semitism==
==Anti-Semitism==