The Arrest and Its Aftermath
On January 15, 2024, the quiet town of Baymak in Bashkortostan, Russia, erupted into chaos as over a thousand residents rallied in support of jailed eco-activist and former leader of the “Bashkort” organization, Fail Alsynov. Convicted of inciting hatred following his speech at a local assembly in April 2023, Alsynov’s imprisonment has ignited widespread unrest, with protests escalating into violence. The turmoil has already claimed two lives and led to numerous detentions.
Authorities allege that Alsynov’s remarks targeted women from the Caucasus and Central Asia, a charge vehemently denied by his supporters who see him as a scapegoat in a campaign to suppress dissent. Alsynov was sentenced to four years in prison, while 67 others face harsh penalties. Arrests continue as the investigation widens, and tensions boil over in the republic.
Accusations of Foreign Influence
Pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Rybar, known for its ties to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, has alleged that Alsynov received backing from Turkey. According to the channel, Alsynov is affiliated with the international sect “Nurdzhular,” described as a “soft power arm” of Turkey active in Russia since the 1990s. Rybar claimed Alsynov and his associates had traveled to Turkey and Kazakhstan to meet supporters of the so-called “Great Turan.”
Rybar’s accusations extended to Raoufa Rakhimova, the niece of Bashkortostan’s first president, who allegedly used her social media platforms to incite participation in an unsanctioned rally on January 17, 2024. The rally devolved into riots, though Rakhimova has not faced legal consequences, further fueling public outrage.
Escalating Political and Geopolitical Tensions
Bashkortostan’s leader, Radiy Khabirov, has branded Alsynov a separatist, accusing “a group of individuals, some abroad and essentially traitors, of calling for Bashkortostan’s secession from Russia.” Khabirov’s complaint directly led to Alsynov’s prosecution. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced about Ural Rakhimov, the son of Bashkortostan’s first president, allegedly hiding in Austria with a billion-dollar hotel empire built on misappropriated Russian funds. Rybar hinted at links between Rakhimov’s businesses and arms supplies to Ukrainian forces, adding to suspicions of high-level treason.
Experts interpret these events as indicative of a growing rift between Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as a broader effort by the FSB to target remnants of Boris Yeltsin’s political circle.
As tensions escalate, Bashkortostan remains on edge, with no resolution in sight for this explosive conflict.
