CrimeaSOS: persecution of women by the russian federation in occupied Crimea is becoming increasingly serious

CrimeaSOS emphasizes sharp increase in cases of criminal prosecution of women in temporarily occupied Crimea after February 2022. This indicates a new stage of pressure and increased intimidation of the local population.

Today, October 15, russian security forces conducted raids in the Bakhchysarai and Sevastopol areas of Crimea. As a result of the searches, security forces detained:

· Esma Nimetulaieva — mother of many children and wife of political prisoner Remzi Nimetulaiev;

· Nasiba Saidova — student and kindergarten employee;

· Elviza Aliieva;

· Fevziie Osmanova.

All are charged with Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code of the russian federation (organization of the activities of a terrorist organization or participation in its activities). The women are currently held in the FSB office in Simferopol.

Pressure on women is part of russia’s systemic policy: the occupying authorities are strengthening control over Crimea through intimidation, creation of the image of “internal enemies” and pushing out disloyal parts of the population from the peninsula.

We shall remind you that from 2022 to today, there has been an increase in the number of criminal cases filed against women on charges of terrorism and treason.