Due to Russian terror in Crimea, no one feels safe there

Russia has been terrorizing Crimeans for more than 10 years, so no citizen can feel safe in the annexed Crimea

This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Nariman Dzhelal at the second international conference"Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South".

"Today, no citizen in Crimea can feel safe and be sure that, if necessary, he or she will be able to protect his or her rights and life. Terror against Crimeans continues after 10 years of war," he said.

According to him, Crimean residents are forced to live in an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, a crisis of trust in each other, and are forced to take actions against their will under pressure from the Russian authorities. For example, to participate in illegal elections, support the war, or engage in political propaganda activities.

Today, free journalism in Crimea has been destroyed, Dzhelial continued.Citizen journalists and activists, including Crimean Tatars who have taken the place of media professionals, are being repressed. There are 18 Crimean journalists behind bars. Currently, there are 218 Crimean political prisoners, including 132 Crimean Tatars.

The Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis noted that he had experienced the trials that political prisoners go through . These include poor nutrition, lack of medical care, moral and physical humiliation and abuse, as well as a sense of injustice.

At the same time, Dzhelal said that, despite everything, Ukrainian citizens in Crimea continue to love their country, adhere to democratic values and want to freely enjoy human rights and freedoms.

"Thousands of my compatriots are waiting for the soonest possible de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula. It is difficult to see these sentiments from the outside, or even when you are in Simferopol, Bakhchisarai or Yalta today. That is because the occupation authorities react violently to any manifestations of loyalty of the residents," he added.

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