41 UN countries condemn human rights violations in Crimea

41 UN countries have condemned the systematic human rights violations and abuses by the Russian authorities in the occupied Crimea.

This is said in the joint statement on behalf of 41 countries in the Human Rights Council initiated by Ukraine.

In particular, it is said that the Russian occupation authorities in Crimea practice the forced and retroactive implementation of the Russian laws, the imposition of Russian citizenship and politically motivated incarceration and prosecution.

Other systematic abuses on the peninsula include restrictions on freedom of expression, the intimidation of journalists and systematic harassment and disruption of the news media in Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian languages.

This situation is particularly harsh for political opponents and persons belonging to minorities, especially Crimean Tatars, who have reportedly suffered police brutality, arbitrary searches and arrests, torture and ill-treatment.

The UN signatory countries strongly condemn all abuses “resulting from the control by the Russian de facto authorities over the peninsula, which must not go unpunished.”

The killings and enforced disappearances of Crimean Tatar representatives must be investigated and those found responsible brought to justice, reads the statement.

The Russian occupation authorities in Crimea are urged to “guarantee free and fair proceedings in accordance with basic principles of international law to all on the peninsula.”

In addition, the UN member states call for the immediate release of Ukrainian citizens Oleg Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Gennadiy Afanasyev, Ahtem Chiygoz and other activists who were illegally seized in Crimea.