Custodial term of Akhtem Chiygoz prolonged until July 22

The Russian-controlled court in Crimea has prolonged the custodial term of Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Akhtem Chiygoz until July 22.

Zair Smedliayev, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Kurultay of the Crimean Tatar People, posted this on his Facebook page.

As reported, defendant in the “case of February 26” Akhtem Chiygoz faces 8-15 years in prison. Ali Asanov, Mustafa Degermendzhi, as wells as a number of defendants in the case not under arrest – Eskender Kantemirov, Eskender Emirvaliev, Arsen Yunusov – face a sentence of up to 8 years in prison. Earlier, defendants in the case and Talat Yunusov and Eskender Nebiev, pleaded guilty, were sentenced to 2.5 years of probation.

They are accused of participating in riots near the building of the Crimean Parliament on February 26, 2014. Then, two protesters were killed in clashes between supporters and opponents of the Russian authorities.