BBC Ukrainian
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ukrainian/ukraine/2009/11/091116_crimea_islam_ns.shtml
Translate using “google translate”
18.11.2009
Enver Abibulla
For Ukrainian Service BBC BBC
Crimean minaret
Recently in Ukraine is actively discussed issue of so-called Islamic radicalism in the Crimea. The reason for such activity a series of statements Crimean militia leaders that on the peninsula were arresting three members of the radical Islamic movement “At-Takfir Val-Hijra, who were preparing for jihad (holy war against infidels).
About how Lutsenko in the Crimea with al-Qaeda hanyavsya
The peak of this story was a statement of Interior Minister of Ukraine Yuri Lutsenko, the arrest of two members of the group called Amet Emiraliyeva and Ibrahim Ismail, who allegedly planned an attempt on the life of the head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, the deputy Mustafa Dzhemilev, because he opposed the radical movements Islam.
“AT Val Hijra Takfir” (accusation wrong) – a radical organization that was founded in 1971 in Egypt. The main goal of its supporters – a caliphate – an Islamic state. The main method of implementing its goals considered jihad. Ideology of all who stand in the way of their goal (including other Muslims), must be physically destroyed. In Crimea takfiristiv accused of committing several serious crimes including the attempted assassination of Imam, the spiritual mentor of one of the mosques Arsen Dzhelilova
“Information was received that the participants in the movement” At-Takfir Val-Hijra “sentenced to death Medzhlysu leader Mustafa Dzhemilev and his close associates, that they are prepared to use firearms and explosives to carry out several terrorist acts” – said Lutsenko September 26 press conference in Simferopol. Thus the Minister said: “At-Takfir Val-Hijra” “associated with the Taliban and al-Kaidoyu, as evidenced by various sources.
Sam ochilnyk Majlis, commenting about the attempt on his life, said that most likely, Islamic radicals were a tool in the hands of Russian security services.
“The arrested hardly initiated the attacks, which were prepared and attacks in general. These are just a tool. I know from diplomatic sources, developed a plan riots Russian security services, specifically the game “- Dzhemilev said in an interview with UNIAN.
But the Party of Regions nardep Kolesnychenko broadcast TV channel ICTV stated that no preparations to assassinate the Dzhemileva never was, and info Lutsenko – PR and provocation.
Mosque in Crimea
“Lutsenko mobilize the electorate during the Crimean Tatar what to vote for a force called Tymoshenko, because they found an attempt to Dzhemileva. As such, the attempt was not “- said Kolesnichenko.
In response, 27 October at a press conference in Simferopol, chairman of the Majlis statement called regionalization “stupid and irresponsible”: “If he (Kolesnichenko) said:” I think so … “or” I think …», it is another thing . I understand his desire to discredit the existing government, but must be some limits.
Taliban (Education) – Islamist movement that originated in Afghanistan in 1994 and was in power in this country in 1996 – in 2001 members of the conservative movement professing Islam. During their rule in Afghanistan were banned television, radio, Internet and other manifestations of modern civilization. The Taliban are not patient with respect to other religions.
Meanwhile, the famous Crimean expert islamoznavets, zamholovy reskomiteta Religious Affairs Eider Bulatov expressed serious doubts about the probable takfiritiv ties with Taliban and al-Kaidoyu. In comments BBC BBC on this issue, he said: “It is no confirmation of the statement.
Talking about the strength of this organization in the Crimea, A. Bulatov said that their units: “supporters” At-Takfir Val-Hijra “You can count on the fingers of one hand.
Agrees with him and another well-known expert islamoznavets, president of the Kiev Center for Middle East Studies, Alexander Bogomolov, who in an interview with BBC BBC said: “I think the number of police takfiritiv very overpriced. In my opinion they are not dozens, as it claimed, but rather units.
“Hizb ut-Tahrir”: Messiah or the “opium of the people”?
Another Islamic group, which most say in light of possible threats to the Crimea – a “Hizb ut-Tahrir. Police accused her of a desired Caliphate on the territory of Ukraine.
Al-Qaeda (base, foundation) – the international terrorist organization that emerged in the mid 80’s in Afghanistan to fight Soviet troops. After the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan and its vector control directed against the United States and other Western countries. The main goal – a global caliphate.
“The purpose of” Hizb ut-Tahrir is the return of Muslims to the Islamic way of life, spreading the Islamic faith in the world by jihad, creating a single Islamic Caliphate State, in which shall enter Crimea “, – said the head of the Crimean police Gennady Moskal. However, the police chief has said the relationship “Hizb ut-Tahrir” and “At-Takfir Val-Hijra”, claiming that members of the latter – the former is extremely radykalizovani representatives first.
Meanwhile, members of “Hizb ut-Tahrir” shocked by such contempt for law enforcement officers themselves. They say that far from extremism, and called the police accusations of provocation.
“Hizb ut-Tahrir – the Islamic Liberation Party, which was established in 1953 in Jerusalem Shariat Court of Appeals judge Takiuddinom Al-Nabhani. The purpose of the party – the return of Muslims to the Islamic way of life and create a united Caliphate of Islamic countries. Banned as extremist in some, mostly totalitarian countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, etc.. Instead, a legitimate and very active in western countries, particularly in the UK.
“The main argument against the Interior Ministry” Hizb ut-Tahrir – the desire to convert part of the Caliphate in the Ukraine – will not hold water. We do not want. We are given that Ukraine traditionally Christian suicide of state not to do it! Our weapon – the word, and we have never been supporters of extremist activities “, – declared in comments BBC BBC chief Crimean newspaper” Hizb ut-Tahrir “Renaissance” Yusuf Ashirov.
Another member of the Hizb ut-Tahrir “Fazyl Amzayev, in an interview with BBC BBC also denied information about the relationship with Hizb takfiritamy.
“First of all, MIA does not bring any evidence that linked the above-named organization Hizb than allegation. Secondly, as socio-political movement, which is the basis of Islam, we monitor what is happening in society, especially among Muslims. So we boldly claims that “At-Takfir Val-Hijra” in Ukraine, no! And is sucked from a finger on the eve of elections-strashilka tale about international terrorism “- said F. Amzayev.
Reaffirms its words and A. Bogomolov: “Hizb ut-Tahrir” and “At-Takfir Val-Hijra” – is completely different parts, which pov’yazanni together.
Muscovite: deny and point
Despite the arguments of members of “Hizb ut-Tahrir” G. Moskal, who is still the same deputies of Ukraine fulfilled its promise and 26 October registered in the parliament a bill to ban extremist organizations. The bill entitled “On amendments to some legislative acts on combating extremism” imposes criminal liability in the form of imprisonment from 3 to 5 years for participation in such organizations.
Moskal and supported the initiative of the Majlis, and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea (opinion) that are against such activities of Hizb, Takfira and other organizations that are considered to be extremist or terrorist, as they are, according to medzhlisivtsiv, making the split in the Crimean Tatar community.
Habashyzm – current, which in some countries is considered to be sectarian. It was founded in Lebanon, Sheikh Habash to resist a strong Saudi influence in the Islamic world. In Ukraine, the leader of the movement is Ahmed Tamim, who calls himself Muftiyem Ukraine and attempts to weaken the influence OPINION, through which between them have permanent conflicts.
However, M. Dzhemilev proposes to ban all religious extremism, not just Islam: “We have repeatedly Dubbing its position regarding this bill and believe that we should resolve this issue at all, because extremist movements are not only in Islam.”
Zammuftiya (spiritual leader of Muslims) Crimean Eider Ismail in an interview with BBC BBC described the relationship as colorful thoughts to Islamic movements operating in the peninsula: “thoughts negatively related to all schools and sects, because firstly, they are in contradiction with the classical understanding of the canons of Islam. And second, they create konfliktohenu situation in the middle of the Crimean Tatar community, trying to make a split in it. “
In his view, although the ban will not solve the problem completely, but definitely weaken the activities of radical organizations: “Prohibition does not solve the problem completely. But, faithful to the approach it will limit the influence of extremist organizations. Of course they can go underground, but not be so openly promote their destructive ideas about how they do it now.
In response to the allegations of the Majlis and the views Hizb called these structures such that betrayed the interests of Muslims and the Crimean Tatars.
For example Crimean site “Hizb ut-Tahrir» Qirim-vilayeti.com accused Muftiya Crimea Emirali Ablaev in the deterioration of relations in the middle of the Crimean Tatar community, which is observed today.
“The most striking side of the activity is Muftiya his struggle with Islamic groups, including supporters of the Islamic political party Hizb ut-Tahrir”, – the website. Also, the site stresses that “the initiator of persecutions of” Hizb ut-Tahrir is a tandem Majlis-views.
That is why the ban did not exit
It is noteworthy activists “Hizb ut-Tahrir” talking about what Bill Moskal, launched legal repressive government machine against any Tatar activity.
Yu Ashirov: “Under the guise of fighting extremism, they want to start a legitimate Punitive car against the Crimean Tatars, against all Muslims. They want to solve their hands … “
Do not reject this possibility in the Majlis and opinions. Thus, A. Ismail, said that “to exclude the likelihood of such repression can not be” so, in his opinion, “the authors of the bill have frequently consulted with representatives of the Majlis and Muftiatu.
Salafizm or Wahhabi trend in Islam, whose followers are supporters of conservative Islam and oppose what they consider the elements of other religions. There was a trend in the XVIII century. in Central Arabia. Began to actively work under the slogan “purification” of Islam.
Zamholovy Majlis, head of the faction “Kurultay movement in the Crimean parliament Remzi Ilyas about this in the comments BBC BBC said:” If the legislative ban radical organizations I do not exclude the possibility of launching repressive machinery against the Crimean Tatar activists, who are not supporters of any radical trends that are just fighting for the rights of its people. If repression begin, the Majlis rise in defense of each defendant illegally Crimean Tatar.
Note F. Amzayev said that if activation of repression against Hizb ut-Tahrir “party not only failed to stop their activities but instead make it worse. “If in relation to the” Hizb ut-Tahrir in Ukraine will begin repression, the party’s activities clearly not zhornetsya, but instead only grow, “- says militant Islamic party.
In a very interesting point noticed expert O. Bogomolov. He suggests that in case of success Moskal bill in parliament in the wake of Sylow against extremists can disperse all the land “clearing protest” of the Crimean Tatars, or as they are called the people “self-acquisition, because policemen repeatedly accused of Mailing” Avdet ” that controls the majority “samozahoplen, shortcuts radicalism.
“If anyone will vote in parliament for this bill, it is primarily those who are interested in the Crimean land. Of course they do not like the opposition of organized groups of Crimean Tatars who are trying to get the land “- said the expert.
In addition, the legislative ban, according to Bogomolov, push the peace still flow to their radicalization.
Bogomolov: “Hizb ut-Tahrir” still carries a certain risk …
Hamas – the Islamic resistance movement, which rules the Gaza Strip in 2007 with the Palestinian party that through their struggle with Israel is recognized in some countries, a terrorist organization.
The President Center for Middle East Studies notes that “Hizb ut-Tahrir” still carries a certain risk, but it manifests itself not in some radical action, and provocative behavior, which leads to open conflict.
“If any community feels a threat from someone, such as the Crimean Tatars from” Hizb ut-Tahrir “, this should be taken seriously, can not believe this fear unfounded. In the first place need to look at specific things that cause this phenomenon threat: the views of the Crimean Tatars that is their youth (most of Hizb supporters – young Crimean Tatars), attempts by the manipulation of Hizb youth build a power structure, and the Majlis naprotyvahu THINK capture mosques, etc..
In Conflict is called structural violence – when the effects of a certain group is community tension, and accordingly have provided for public manifestations of violence. Conflicts that occur between the Crimean Tatars, who profess the traditional way and the Hizb, as time is a result of recent structural violence “- said the expert.
It is in prompting structural violence and attempts to extend the political influence of the Crimean Tatars, O. Bogomolov sees threat from two other Islamic movements operating in the Crimea – habashytiv and Wahhabis / salafitiv.
Speaking about the number of organizations considered here, too, no unambiguous. Yes, the Interior Ministry headquarters in Crimea says 30 thousand supporters of the Hizb. Majlisi says about 700-800 people. F. Amzayev argues that due to its spivpartiytsiv “goes to thousands.
Tablihi Jamaat – Group envoys, not political conservative Islamic movement, whose main objective is to return Muslims, they believe, historical Islam. Was founded in 1927 in nearby places Mevat from Delhi (India). Terrorist never considered.
According to O. Bogomolov, Hizb together with those who sympathize with them no more than 1 thousand people, according zammuftiya A. Ishmael, “the total number of members of various movements and organizations in the amount of people who are not their members, but sympathetic they will not exceed 5% of the Crimean Muslims. That is, by its calculations, they are not more than 1.5 thousand people, whereas in Crimea for more than 300 thousand Muslims, which is more than 2 / 3 of all Muslims of Ukraine.
However, as reported by A. Ismail, Opinions adopt various measures to reduce their number and influence: “We are working with youth, open madrassas (Muslim schools – Ed.). Also carry an explanation of the negativity of these currents through the media. Moreover, it was decided that no person who is a member of any extremist movements and parties can not become imams, to lead the Muslim community, or become a member.
However, A. Ismailov said that the state registration of these organizations creates a fertile ground for breeding.
Crimean politicians seek non-existent terrorists
Fatah – the Movement for National Liberation of Palestine. Paramilitary organization, which is one of the main governing parties of the Palestinian Authority. Long time considered a terrorist organization in the United States and Israel.
Separate mention that recently a new drive for a more detailed discussion of the topic of Islamic fundamentalism in the Crimea gave the head of the Sevastopol City State Administration Serhiy Kunitsyn, which TRK “Ukraine” said that the Authority has 18 Islamic extremist groups, 9 of which are terrorist. In addition to those already reviewed by us, Kunitsyn called such well-known to the world organization like Hamas, Fatah, “Bozkurtlar” and “Tablihi Jama’at.
Alexander Bogomolov, commenting on a statement Kunitsyn said that it is extremely incompetent: “Unfortunately, such statements once again shows ignorance of Ukrainian politicians in the processes occurring in the external environment and a high level of their incompetence. A list of these organizations simply shocking, but they have no relation to Ukraine. If their supporters come to Ukraine, for example, to learn, is nothing said.
One of the organizations whose missionaries were seen in the Crimea – is, according to experts, Tablihi Jama’at. But it says a pilgrimage, not a terrorist, and its members have served only to religious preaching.
Bozkurrtlar – zahalnotyurkskyy nationalist movement. In some countries, the followers of the movement through participation in armed conflict, a recognized terrorist.
Another politician, leader of the Crimean Communists Leonid Grach has talked about another Islamic organization that is supposed to act in extreme and autonomy – is “Nurdzhular.
“In Crimea operates Turkish religious group Nurdzhular, which is forbidden in Turkey for trying to replace the secular regime structure Sharia (Islamic law). Its emissaries are engaged in proliferation pantyurkizmu (the idea of unification of Turkic peoples.) “- Rook writes on its official website.
According to experts, the statement Grach, too, to say the least incompetent.
Thus, A. Ismail, who has a degree from islamoznavstva said that 9 years lived in Turkey and had never heard of the ban “Nurdzhular” modern leadership.
“Nurdzhular – people who directed their energies to the enlightenment. This movement is not extremist, “- says zammuftiya.
Nurdzhular – sufiyska community, founded by Turkish theologian Said Nurse (1876-1960). Major efforts directed at followers of the movement of educational programs at the former influence of the Ottoman Empire.
The last question BBC BBC all interviewee was: “What must I do to avoid further radicalization of Islam in Crimea?”, Responding to that, almost all said that continued indifferent attitude of the Ukrainian authorities to the Muslims, must lead to their radicalization.
And that did not happen, Ukraine must urgently return to the Muslims, and especially to the Crimean Tatars face starting point to solve their problems.
But it seems Ukrainian magnates not quickly understand the appeal of experts for quite another to see the solution to this problem. For example Moskal across the country broadcast channel 1 +1, said: “I do not want to live in a Caliphate, I want to live in Crimea! That they all pozdyhaly!.