Statement by the Spokesperson on the situation of Crimean Tatar leader and deputy Chair of the Mejlis Ilmi Umerov

The European Union condemned on 27 August 2016 the forced psychiatric confinement and examination of the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis, Ilmi Umerov. The EEAS spokesperson considered the decision a clear violation of international human rights standards and called for his immediate release.

The EEAS also highlighted the deterioration of the human rights situation in Crimea and Sevastopol since their illegal annexation by Russia, and the attack on the rights of the Crimean Tatars through the banning of the activities of the Mejlis, the self-governing body of Crimean Tatars, and by labelling it 'an extremist organisation'.

• Primary Source

EEAS: EU Relations with Ukraine https://eeas.europa.eu/ukraine/index_en.htm

EurActiv, 27.10.16: Crimean Tartars ‘worse off’ under Putin than Stalin http://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/crimean-tartars-worse-off-under-putins-rule-than-stalins/

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