Refat Chubarov, chairman of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, told a news conference in Kiev that the goal was to elicit a “more concrete and sensitive reaction” from the global community regarding the situation in Crimea.
Russia’s Justice Ministry said in a statement on Monday that the Tatar Mejlis had been banned due to its “extremist activities”.
Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 following a referendum, which was widely contested by Western powers.
(Ali Cura)
*Anadolu Agency Correspondent Hale Turkes contributed to this story from Ankara.
[aa.com.tr]
21/4/16
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Related:
Crimea prosecutor suspends Crimean Tatar Mejlis activity
Russia’s top investigator: Crimean referendum denial should be equalized with extremism
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Russia's Decision To Suspend the Crimean Tatar Mejlis...
ReplyDeletePress Statement
John Kirby
Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
April 21, 2016
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"We call on the Russian Federation to reverse the Ministry of Justice’s recent decision to designate the Crimean Tatar Mejlis as an “extremist” organization and the decision by de facto authorities in Crimea to suspend this democratic institution. The Mejlis has long been a representative body for the traditionally under-represented and historically oppressed Crimean Tatar population. It has also served as an important independent voice in preserving their culture and protecting them from discrimination.
Russian authorities have no basis or jurisdiction to assert Russian law over Tatar conduct in Ukraine. A ban on the Mejlis would prohibit it from convening, publishing its views in mass media, or holding public events, which contravenes basic democratic principles. This action is the latest in a series of abuses perpetrated by de facto authorities against those in Crimea who oppose the occupation, including Crimean Tatars and members of other ethnic and religious minorities in Crimea. Such abuses include arbitrary detentions, beatings, and police raids on their homes and places of worship.
We again call on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea and return control over this piece of Ukrainian territory. Sanctions related to Crimea will remain in place as long as the occupation continues."
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/04/256480.htm
22/4/16