Ukraine expressed protest over arrests of Crimean Tatars in Crimea
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed its strong protest after new detentions of the Crimean Tatars in the city of Bakhchysarai in the Crimea.
"Six people were illegally detained as a result of searches. In addition, at least 9 activists were detained only for coming to support their compatriots and for standing close to the places where the searches were conducted. The occupants’ encroachment on those who oppose the occupation regime, like the Crimean Tatar activists and Ukrainians, once again testifies to the extension of Russia's repressive policies aimed at eradicating any dissent," the statement of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry says.
The Ministry emphasized that these intentional searches in Muslim homes indicate persecution based on religious grounds.
"We call on the international community to actively advocate for the rights and freedoms of the inhabitants of the Crimean Peninsula and to force Russia to stop criminal reprisal against those who disagree with the occupation," the statement accentuates.
On October 11, officers of the Federal Security Service of Russia detained 15 Crimean Tatars during a series of searches in the annexed Crimea.