The ranks of the “Immortal Regiment” in Dushanbe have thinned

This year in Dushanbe, the “Immortal Regiment” march, dedicated to Victory Day, was less large-scale than in previous years.

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, there were only about 30 participants in the traditional march to commemorate the feats of our ancestors. This year, the “Immortal Regiment” march began at the square near the Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, and the participants then walked in a small column towards Victory Park.

Shavkat Mirzoev, chairman of the Union of Internationalist Veterans in Tajikistan, told Radio Ozodi on the morning of May 9 that they had previously posted an announcement on social media inviting everyone to participate in the march at the square near the Theater of Opera and Ballet. In previous years, the “Immortal Regiment” march took place in Tajikistan with the participation of a large number of people, including representatives of the Russian embassy.

This year, the march has been canceled in Russia and Kyrgyzstan. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan explained that the decision to cancel the march was made “taking into account existing threats to public safety.” For the same reasons, this event has been canceled in many cities in Russia. Commemorative actions are suggested to be held online.

The “Immortal Regiment” action was initiated by civic activists in Russia in 2011. Traditionally, marches are held on Victory Day, May 9. Opinions about the “Immortal Regiment” march in Tajikistan and other post-Soviet countries are mixed. Some believe that it is an action to preserve the memory of the front-line soldiers who gave their lives for our future; others argue that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the “Immortal Regiment” is associated with aggression.