Activist Fatima Suleymanova is one of the most visible millennial Chechen women in modern-day politics. As a representative of the Chechen national independence movement United Force, Suleymanova campaigns on behalf of Chechen refugees in Europe and works closely with Ukrainian MPs. She has been involved in cultural and political events within the Chechen diaspora across the EU and the U.K. and has called for Chechnya’s de-occupation at the Council of Europe. A Master’s student at Sorbonne University specializing in languages and literatures of Russian-controlled territories, Suleymanova also challenges prejudices in academia toward nations colonized by Russia. In an interview with The Moscow Times, Suleymanova discussed the importance of talking about Chechnya’s independence, why Chechen activists are often misunderstood by both the Russian opposition and Western academia, the gender dynamics of Chechen independence movements and the challenges faced by Chechen refugees. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The Moscow Times: Why is it important to discuss Chechnya’s independence at international institutions like the Council of Europe?
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