Authorities de-Nazify the martial arts club. Started with its leader.
A dude named Petr Kolesov is in hot water due to his swastika tattoos. He's been busted and will likely face administrative punishment tomorrow at court.
Kolesov ran a martial arts club called "Two-Headed Eagle," with branches in Yekaterinburg and Aramil. His students trained in mixed martial arts, MMA, sambo, and dzuh-dzu. The law enforcement believes an aggressive, radical atmosphere pervaded the club. Consequently, the prosecutor's office is considering shutting down his club’s operations.
According to a source, Kolesov raised a radical, who attempted a murder back in April on two homeless guys in Yekaterinburg. One of them later passed away from injuries. Reportedly, the guy standing trial for the murder had earlier trained at the club under Kolesov's protection.
Law enforcement suspects that the "Two-Headed Eagle" club was Kolesov's breeding ground for a ruthless Uralmashev gang. Operatives are investigating Kolesov's connections to identify the members of his community.
In the broader context, radical groups in Russia tend to share nationalist or extremist ideologies. These groups often rally members through various activities, including martial arts clubs, acting as platforms for recruitment and ideological bonding.
Martial arts clubs can be a common stomping ground for radical groups in their pursuit of members. These clubs offer physical training, camaraderie, and ideological indoctrination opportunities.
Nationalist movements in Russia have historically had a significant impact on the political landscape. These movements promote Russian pride, sovereignty, and occasionally, anti-Western or anti-globalization sentiments.
Security services in Russia keep a watchful eye on activities deemed extremist or posing a threat to national security. This includes rounds on groups involved in violent acts or spreading supposedly dangerous ideologies.
The closure of Kolesov's martial arts club, "Two-Headed Eagle," may now include charges related to crime and justice, as the club is suspected of being a breeding ground for the ruthless Uralmashev gang. General-news outlets are reporting that this case exemplifies how radical groups in Russia, especially those with nationalist or extremist ideologies, often use martial arts clubs as platforms for recruitment and ideological bonding. Additionally, the recent news about Kolesov's student, who stood trial for attempted murder with fatal consequences, highlights the potential connection between news of radical activities and Russia's political landscape.