Analytical reports about Crimea

Starting from 20 March, only Russian citizens and legal entities can own land in most parts of Crimea. Courts passed 5 sentences in politically motivated criminal cases. There were 14 searches and 3 arrests in Crimea. 3 political prisoners were sent to psychiatric assessment, another 3 were put into solitary confinement. Political prisoner Hlib Shablii got released, 2 Jehovah’s Witnesses were released under house arrest. 11 Crimean Tatar prisoners were subjected to linguistic discrimination, 5 – to religious discrimination. Occupying authorities continue issuing warnings to Crimean activists. Territories of Foros park and Cape Mehanom are being used for construction. New violations against the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Muslims, and Jehovah’s Witnesses were recorded.

In February the occupying authorities conducted 8 house-searches in Crimea, 11 people were detained, 8 of them were put in custody or under house arrest. Teimur Abdullaev has been kept in solitary confinement for over 8 months. 9 activists in Crimea received a warning regarding “impermissibility of unsanctioned protests.” Russian border guards issue fines to Crimean residents that cross the administrative border with Ukrainian passports. Yalta local occupying authorities decided to demolish a historic building in order to use the territory for a new construction.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the occupying authorities of Crimea are violating basic human rights. In 2020, 37 people were subjected to politically motivated criminal prosecution: 14 sentences were passed, 29 criminal cases were initiated. Since August 2020, the population of some regions of Crimea has no free access to freshwater. The occupying authorities are intensifying the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, and the Crimean community of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

This report documents a number of violations in the places of detention in regards to 35 prisoners. 17 of them have already been released. 18 people are still being kept in places of detention in Crimea or Russia.

Three Crimean Tatar activists were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for political reasons. Medzhit Ablyamitov’s lawyer reported gross procedural violations in the case against his client. The administration of the detention facilities creates unsatisfactory detention conditions for persons persecuted in Crimea for political reasons. Crimean servicemen nearly died due to vaccination against COVID-19 with an unauthorized Russian vaccine. Crimeans are forced to reuse water for their household needs due to its shortage. Russia has put up for sale another Crimean winery belonging to Ukraine. The occupying authorities intimidate Crimeans with warnings about the prohibition of holding and attending rallies.

The occupying authorities vaccinate Crimeans against COVID-19 with an unauthorized vaccine. There are new water consumption restrictions due to acute water shortage in Crimean reservoirs. In December, there were two politically motivated court decisions, one search and one detention in relation to Crimean Tatars. Political prisoners do not receive the necessary medical care and are held in inappropriate conditions in places of confinement. The occupying authorities sold Ukrainian property which is based in Crimea.

On November 15, 2017, the National Report of Ukraine on the state of human rights observance in the framework of the 3rd cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was presented. Subsequent to the results of consideration of the report by the Working Group of the Human Rights Council, 190 recommendations were provided to Ukraine, 163 of which were taken on for execution by Ukraine. As part of Ukraine’s Interim Report on the implementation of the UPR Recommendations, the Coalition of non-governmental organizations concerning the rights of victims suffered from the conflict submits to the Human Rights Council an alternative report on Ukraine’s implementation of recommendations with regard to protecting the rights of victims of armed conflict, as well as overcoming its negative consequences.

Amid severe water shortages, more regions of occupied Crimea switch to restricted water supply. The highest death toll from COVID-19 is recorded in the occupied peninsula. Crimean Tatar activists were given prison sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years. Crimean occupation authorities unlawfully expose Ukraine’s property for sale.