The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the cases of Crimean Tatar leaders Akhtem Chiygoz, Ilmi Umerov and the journalist Mykola Semena.
The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, ECR and Greens/EFA groups.
It condemned the sentencing of the above-mentioned people as well as the harsh sentences handed out to leaders of the Crimean Tatar community opposing the Russian annexation following farcical court proceedings and questionable charges. Members called on the EEAS and the EU Delegation in Russia to closely follow the ongoing trials and to pay attention to the treatment of those detained, and expressed particular concern over reports of the use of punitive psychiatric treatments.
Parliament stated that the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation is illegal and in violation of international law and European agreements signed by both the Russian Federation and Ukraine. It condemned the discriminatory policies imposed by the so-called authorities against, in particular, the indigenous Crimean Tatar community, the infringement of their property rights, the increasing intimidation in political, social and economic life of this community and of all those who oppose the Russian annexation. The rights of the Crimean Tatars have been gravely violated through the banning of the activities of the Mejlis and declaring it an extremist organisation on 26 April 2016, and through the ban on their leaders re-entering the peninsula.
Members recalled that the reality of repression and the application of legislation on extremism, terrorism and separatism has led to a severe deterioration in the human rights situation on the Crimean peninsula and to the widespread violation of freedom of speech and association, and that forced imposition of Russian citizenship has become systematic and fundamental freedoms are not guaranteed on the Crimean peninsula.
Parliament called for the imposition of restrictive measures on all individuals responsible for gross human rights violations, including those Crimean and Russian officials directly responsible for charging and sentencing Akhtem Chiygoz, Mykola Semena and Ilmi Umerov, and these should include the freezing of assets in EU banks and travel bans. It reiterated its support for the EU’s decision to prohibit imports from Crimea and the export of certain goods and technologies, investment, trade and services to Crimea.
The Commission was asked to support projects and exchanges aimed at improving people-to-people contacts, as well as those promoting peace-building, conflict resolution, reconciliation and intercultural dialogue.
Lastly, Parliament called for international human rights observers, including specialised structures of the UN, OSCE and Council of Europe, to have unhindered access to the Crimean peninsula in order to investigate the situation on the peninsula, and for the establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms. The EEAS and the European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights was asked pay constant attention to the human rights situation in the Crimean peninsula and to keep Parliament informed.