Crimean Tatar Mejlis calls on the EU to strengthen sanctions against Russia
The Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and People’s Deputy of Ukraine, Refat Chubarov, called on the European Union to strengthen sanctions against Russia, including the imposition of a temporary embargo on oil and also to disconnect Moscow from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) as he stated on the Hromadske.tv TV Channel.
“Against the background of increased oppression against Crimean Tatars, our task is to ensure that the international community favors more severe sanctions against Russia,” the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People stated.
On the 12th of May, the European Parliament will discuss the resolution on the violation of the rights of Crimean Tatars by Russia. The debates on the problems of democracy and the rule of law in relation to Crimean Tatars in the annexed Crimea are also on the agenda.
On the 26th of April, the Supreme Court of Crimea, controlled by the Russian authorities, recognized the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People as an extremist organization and banned its activity in Russia. The international human rights organization Amnesty International has condemned this decision. In 2014, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People opposed the accession of Crimea to Russia.
On the 20th of September 2015, an indefinite civil campaign on the isolation of Crimea began. Its purpose is to ensure the release of political prisoners, provide unrestricted access to Crimea for international observers and the cessation of oppression against Crimean Tatars on the peninsula.