QA-36, 3 October 2016

Activities of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, the legitimate representative body of our Crimean Tatar kinsmen, were prohibited by de-facto judicial authorities in Crimea on 26 April 2016, and our reaction on this matter was made public with an official statement.

We regret the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation to uphold the ban, following its review upon appeals.

Attempts to suppress Crimean Tatars, who have always raised their legitimate demands through democratic and peaceful means and whose only goal is to live a life in peace and security, enjoying free expression, through methods reflecting collective punishment policies cause disappointment.

We will continue to support Crimean Tatars against the pressures they face.