Russia's Resurgent Militiamen: The Cossacks

Return of the Cossacks (2006): President Putin's recruitment of more than 800 Cossacks to patrol Sochi during the Winter Olympics is one step in his years-long effort to bring them back to prominence in Russian affairs. What are the consequences of this Cossack resurgence?

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In pre-revolutionary Russia, the Cossacks were the Tsars' most feared enforcers. Now, they've been re-enlisted as Protectors of the Motherland and are using their new powers to target minorities.

"If I face a tough situation, I simply let my horse loose on that person," states one Cossack. Keen to exploit their military skills, the Kremlin has granted Cossacks responsibility for law and order in certain districts. Using their official powers, they harass minorities like the Meskhetian Turks. "They come to our houses and beat people up", states one refugee. Turks claim the harassment is increasing and believe the orders are coming from above. But the Kremlin refutes any suggestion of state-sponsored persecution.

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