European Parliament calls for recognition of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people and de-occupation of the peninsula

During the Crimean Week, the European Parliament spoke about repressions, disappearances and illegal detentions in occupied Crimea. Currently, the de-occupation of the peninsula is the only way to a just peace and the restoration of the rights of the inhabitants, including the Crimean Tatars.

This was reported by the press service of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people.

On the second day of the Crimean Week in Brussels, the First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Nariman Dzhelal addressed the MEPs. He began his speech by mentioning 17-year-old Hatidze Buyukchan, who disappeared in Crimea on May 6. Later it turned out that she was detained by the occupation authorities, but her family still does not know where she is.

Dzhelial called this case another example of the repressions that Russia has been using against Crimeans for eleven years. According to him, no one can feel safe in Crimea - people are constantly detained, intimidated, forced to live in an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

Due to Russia's actions, thousands of people have left the peninsula. And those who stayed are forced to live under constant pressure," said Nariman Dzhelal.

He emphasized that speaking about the territories, it is important to remember the fate of people. As long as Crimea remains under occupation, Ukrainians there will have no protection, and persecution, disappearances, searches and arrests will continue.

The politician reminded that any recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea is unacceptable. This is not only a violation of international law, but also an encroachment on Ukraine's sovereignty, the rights of Crimean Tatars and the legitimization of the aggressor's crimes.

According to him, Crimea is not enough for Russia. In 2022, it launched a full-scale war against the whole of Ukraine, and the only way to peace is full de-occupation and restoration of the territorial integrity of our country. Dzhelal also stated that no decisions on the future of Crimea can be made without the participation of Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar people.

In conclusion, Cemal recalled the deportation of Crimean Tatars in May 1944, which resulted in the death of almost half of the people, mostly elderly, women and children. He called on the European Parliament to recognize those events as genocide.

For the first time, Brussels is hosting the Crimean Week, an event focused on human rights violations in occupied Crimea and the resistance of the Crimean Tatars. The program includes discussions in the European Parliament, film screenings, a photo exhibition and the presentation of a book about citizen journalists.

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Анна Бальчінос