Information on the Brotherhood of the Eastern Cross (Bratsvo Skhidny Khrest, BSK) [UKR18034.E]

According to the Antisemitism World Report 1993, the above-mentioned group is an "extremist" organization that took part in an October 1992 arson attack on the Kiev-based Jewish newspaper Khadashot (1993, 104). The Union of Councils of Soviet Jewry (UCSJ) in Washington, DC, describes the BSK as a "fascist" organization led by Oleh Riznik and Vitalii Petruk (27 July 1994). It is smaller in size than the Ukrainian National Self-Defence Organization (UNSO), another extremist group (ibid.).

In late September 1993 the BSK took part in a "scientific and practical conference ... dedicated to the 100th birthday" of Benito Mussolini in Kiev (BBC Summary 1 Oct. 1993).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References


Antisemitism World Report 1993. 1993. New York: Institute of Jewish Affairs and World Jewish Congress.

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 1 October 1993. "Extreme Right Forces Celebrate Mussolini's Birthday." (NEXIS)

Union of Councils of Soviet Jews, Washington, DC. 27 July 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Attachment

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 1 October 1993. "Extreme Right Forces Celebrate Mussolini's Birthday." (NEXIS)