The situation with human rights in the annexed by Russia Crimea continues to worsen, especially with regard to the Crimean Tatars. This was stated at the briefing by the speaker of French Foreign Ministry, the French Embassy in Ukraine reports.
"The verdict ruled out on September 11 regarding Akhtem Chiygoz, deputy head of Mejlis, - traditional representative body of the Crimean Tatars, - is a sad illustration of this. France and its European partners consider the ban by the Russian authorities of Mejlis activity from April 2016 a violation of the rights of the Crimean Tatars, so we call to free all persons detained in violation of international law, "the statement said.
Also, French Foreign Ministry said that the country does not recognize the "elections" that took place in the Crimea on September 10, and remains committed to the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As it was reported earlier the Supreme Court of the annexed Crimea controlled by the Kremlin sentenced on Monday the deputy head of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Akhtem Chiygoz to 8 years of imprisonment.
Ukraine will do everything to release Chiygoz, according to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. Crimean ‘court’ to announce a verdict in the case of Crimean Tatar official on August 10.
Chiygoz has been held in the pre-trial detention facility for over 18 months now. He is charged with ‘organization and participation in the mass disturbances near the Crimean Parliament’ on February 26, 2014.