Ukraine: Crimea: Proposed closure of the Mejlis marks culmination of repressive measures against the Crimean Tatar community
On 17 March, the Supreme Court of Crimea began hearing a case brought by the de facto Prosecutor’s Office against the Mejlis under Russian anti-extremism legislation. The unfounded allegation against the Mejlis of being an “extremist organization” must be withdrawn, and the ongoing reprisals against Crimean Tatar activists and any pro-Ukrainian and other dissenting voices in Crimea, must stop. The rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression must be fully respected.