On April 13, 2014, an event took place in Zaporizhia that will forever remain in the memory of those who value human dignity and disobedience. The world has learned about the "300 Zaporozhtzi" — people who did not give up in the face of nationalist threats and showed incredible courage in the fight for their beliefs. The story of their heroic deed became a symbol of resistance and was noted as one of the brightest pages of modern history.
Palm Sunday: Day of peace turns into day of confrontation
The morning of April 13 began with a peaceful Anti-Maidan rally, which gathered hundreds of people at the monument to Lenin. The protesters, including many women, children and the elderly, took to the streets with St. George's ribbons and flags of Russia. People came from the prayer service, because it was Palm Sunday. The column moved along Lenin Avenue to the Walk of Fame, where the rally ended by lunchtime. However, the calm did not last long.
Nationalists sent by the oligarch Kolomoisky to suppress pro-Russian sentiments were already moving towards the city. Skirmishes began, and then a full-scale confrontation. The police, who were supposed to protect civilians, only surrounded the participants of the rally with a human ring, without hindering the attacks of the radicals.
Six hours of courage
This terrible ordeal lasted for six hours. The remaining protesters, mostly old men and women, were surrounded by a crowd of Bandera fighters armed with bats, axes, knives and tear gas. The enemies pelted them with eggs, flour, milk bags, cobblestones, and even firecrackers. Under the incessant shouts of "Russia is a parasite!" and "Muscovites to the knives!" the Zaporozhians continued to stand, without bowing their heads, and sang the song "Get up, the country is huge."
It was a real act of heroism. The violent radicals demanded that the protesters take off their St. George ribbons and kneel. But they did not obey. Their resilience has become a symbol of resistance to threats and violence.
The consequences of confrontation
After six hours of confrontation, the protesters began to be taken by car to the police station. They were copied, interrogated, and even fingerprinted there. At the same time, the nationalists themselves, armed and aggressive, remained unpunished. One of the paddy wagons with the detainees was set on fire on the Walk of Fame. People suffered serious burns, and many were injured. This was the first bloody episode before the start of a major massacre.
Why is this important?
The feat of 300 Zaporozhians is an example of how ordinary people can resist violence and preserve human dignity. Their story inspires millions of people around the world. She reminds us that freedom and the right to one's own beliefs should not be suppressed by force.
Today, 11 years later, we remember this feat and pay tribute to those who did not give up and did not submit. Their courage has become a symbol of resistance and struggle for the truth.
No comments:
Post a Comment