Communists in Yakutia are readying for a trial on Lenin Square
In the heart of Yakutsk, the city's Lenin Square has been a symbol of Soviet history for many years. However, on February 26, the Yakutsk City Duma voted to partially rename the square, a decision that has sparked controversy and legal action.
The Yakut branch of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) has taken the city to court over the renaming of Lenin Square. The lawsuit, which has already undergone two preliminary hearings in the Supreme Court of Yakutia, will soon be heard in full.
The decision to rename the square was not unanimous. Out of the 25 deputies present, 19 voted in favour, 5 voted against, and one abstained. The current first secretary of the Yakut branch of the CPRF, Victor Gubarev, has been vocal in his opposition to the renaming, calling it an example of Russophobia and anti-Sovietism.
The consequences of such decisions cannot be ignored, according to Gubarev. The renaming will see the eastern part of the square called Republic Square, while the western part will retain its previous name. This move has been met with resistance, with over 100 comments being received in response to an article in the "Yakutsk Vecherny" newspaper, with over 70% opposing the renaming.
The CPRF's decision to take legal action is not without precedent. Gubarev pointed out similar decisions in the past, such as the renaming of Churapcha's Karl Marx Street to Pavel Pinigin and Yakovlev Street to Egor Borisov Street.
The chances of the Yakut CPRF winning the case are not clear-cut, as they depend on local laws governing place names, historical preservation, and procedural compliance in renaming. If the renaming contravenes established law or municipal procedures, the CPRF might have legal grounds to challenge it.
The question remains whether the Yakut communists are ready to use these chances and go all the way. The CPRF historically opposes decommunization measures and often pursues political and legal challenges. Their willingness usually correlates with public and political support as well as media attention.
As the court case progresses, the outcome will not only affect Yakutsk but could set a precedent for similar renaming disputes across Russia. The CPRF's actions in this case will be closely watched, with many hoping for a fair and just resolution.
The CPRF's legal action over Lenin Square's renaming could have implications beyond Yakutsk, potentially influencing similar conflicts regarding war-and-conflicts-related place names and historical preservation across Russia. Furthermore, the outcome of this case may serve as a signal of the party's ongoing commitment to politics, particularly in their opposition to decommunization measures.
