On September 19, a majority of those attending the International Circassian Association (ICA) conference in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, reelected Khauti Sokhrokov as head of the organization. Out of 73 delegates, 62 voted for Sokhrokov, 10 voted against and 1 abstained. Many Circassian activists, however, have expressed their disappointment with the ICA and plan to exit the organization and establish parallel structures. Circassian delegates from Karachaevo-Cherkessia and Adygea, along with many Circassians in the diaspora, reportedly opposed Sokhrokov’s candidacy. It appears that the Russian government’s heavy involvement in the ICA’s activities precluded a change of leadership in what is often described as …read more
Source: The Jamestown Foundation