Ukraine: Crimean Tatar leader Chiygoz’s prolonged incarceration is further evidence of existing injustice in Crimea
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry believes that the extension of the arrest of Akhtem Chiygoz, one of the leaders of the Crimean Tatar movement, until October 8, is further evidence of injustice in the annexed Crime, as stated by Mariana Betsa, official spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, in a comment for Krym Realii.
“The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry decisively condemns the occupation authorities of the Crimea for extending the preventive measures with respect to the detention of Akhtem Chiygoz until October 8. We categorically deny any charges against him. This is further evidence of the fact that political repression and injustice continue on the peninsula,” Betsa said.
According to her, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry continues to demand that Russia free Akhtem Chiygoz and all other political prisoners, and also cease the persecution of the Ukrainian citizens who are “under the Crimean occupation regime”.
During a session on June 22, the High Court in annexed Crimea, controlled by the Kremlin, granted the prosecutor’s motion, and extended the arrest of Akhtem Chiygoz for three months – until October 8.
Akhtem Chiygoz was arrested in January 2015 for taking part in a rally in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine in front of the Crimean Parliament on February 26, 2014. The protesters were opposed by pro-Russian activists, including activists from the Russian Unity party. The Russian authorities of the annexed Crimea accuse Chiygoz of organizing mass unrest.
The Russian court is considering “the Chiygoz case” in the context of “the February 26 case” after on July 20, during a closed session, the court divided this case into two: one case for the deputy head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars, and another case for the other defendants in the trial – Ali Asanov and Mustafa Dehermendzhy.