The task of the group is terrorist attacks outside Russia and suppression of the White Revolution inside.
That is reported by Russian opposition which fears that the emergence of such regiments marks the creation of death squads of the KGB-controlled Russian Orthodox Church.
On August 18, a group "Holy Russia" announced that its "voluntary Orthodox squads begin patrolling Moscow and the region". The group leader Otrakovsky, a veteran of Chechen wars, said in a statement:
"We inform everybody: when individuals are detected, who show aggression to the priests (ideological aggression, there is no other in Russia - KC), we reserve the right to take appropriate action".
The page of Otrakovsky's group on Internet appeared in December 2011 in the midst of the Russian White Revolution.
Participants of the "First Orthodox Regiment" conduct paramilitary trainings.
"On July 22, the first tactical training of the warriors of the First Orthodox Regiment named after the Commander of Heavenly Forces Archangel Michael took place in a wooded area", the websites of "Holy Russia" says.
Men in black or camouflage with pistols and Kalashnikovs are seen on photos published there.
As stated in the description of this training, "the task is to protect clergy from hostile attacks, defend our Fatherland in case of invasion from the outside and protect honor and dignity of Russian citizens".
Particularly alarming is the readiness of the group "to protect honor and dignity of Russian citizens" because it envisages terrorist attacks outside Russia. Russia consists entirely of Russian citizens and there is no need for such task inside Russia.
The leader of "Holy Russia" told about his sharp dislike of the White Revolution.
"So-called opposition leaders are the enemies of our Fatherland. Once in power, these blasphemers will destroy our Church", he said in an interview to a Georgian TV channel on August 26.
Department of Monitoring
Kavkaz Center
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