Chechnya, Ukraine and Propaganda
21st June | 5pm | Soft Ground, 37- 41 The Moor, Sheffield
For the first time in Sheffield, Ukrainian and Chechen activists will come together to speak about some of the most pressing topics of our time.
There is a lot of misinformation about Eastern Europe in the West. All the news about Ukraine and Chechnya could be confusing, and we want to help you separate facts from propaganda.
In this storytelling event, a group of Chechen and Ukrainian activists will bring you into the most important part of our common history of genocide and survival in Josef Stalin’s time, the horrendous Russian-Chechen wars and the Russian-Ukranian conflict, and, finely, into Europe, where you will see how Chechen and Ukrainian communities surviving away from their homelands.
You will find out why Chechen communities are invisible in Europe, why many Chechen people couldn’t open their faces, why we hear more about white Christian Ukrainians, and what the media portrays wrong about Chechens in Ukraine.
It is a story-telling event where the personal stories will help you find out a little more about your neighbours, the world around you and the meaning of freedom.
There will be also a Q&A session.
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We also invite you to two exhibitions related to the event: 1944-2024. 80 years of anniversary of Chechen and Ingush genocide”.
You will be able to find out more about one is the most erased genocides of our times, committed by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin in 1944. You will be able to read stories from Chechen communities: some of them moving, some of them extremely sad, some full of hope, but all of them but all exploring why Chechen people were so kin to fight for their independence. Among those stories will be a family stories of our speakers.
The design and illustration of this exhibition has been created by young Eastern European artist and civil right activist Amin Hayrov, better known as BANANITRYI.
The second part of the exhibition will be dedicated to modern British Chechen community: you will be able to see posters that Chechen activists was using on their political and social events in Sheffield and London, and learn more about their agendas.
As an additional activity you will be able to write letters of support to Chechen and Ukrainian families who suffered from Russian aggression
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Free
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Running times - doors open 4.30pm and event closes at 7.30pm.
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Soft Ground
37-41 The Moor
Sheffield
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This event is recommended for ages 12+.
Younger audience members are welcome, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Trigger Warning:
Mentioning of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, authoritarianism. -
Soft Ground has an accessible toilet and lift access.
Neurodiverse friendly -
Instagram: @ayman_eckford
Friday 21nd June, 2024
5pm
Free