From political prisoners to artists: who was honored in the struggle for Crimea

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree on awarding representatives of the Crimean Tatar people, noting their contribution to the struggle for the rights of the indigenous people, resistance to Russian aggression and preservation of the identity of Crimea.

This was reported by the press service of the Presidential Office.

The Head of State emphasized that it was the occupation of Crimea that started Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the issue of the peninsula remains a matter of principle. According to him, Ukraine continues to fight for the liberation of its territories, the return of people and bringing the aggressor to justice.

PHOTO: president.gov.ua

The Order of Merit of the I degree was awarded to Ilmi Umerov, one of the leaders of the Crimean Tatar people who openly opposed the annexation of Crimea, for which he was illegally convicted by the occupation authorities and imprisoned. The Order of the Second Class was awarded to journalist and producer Akim Galimov, author of documentary projects that destroy Russian myths and show the historical connection between Crimea and Ukraine.

The Order of Merit III degree were awarded to several figures at once. Among them are Arsen Zhumadilov, who reformed the system of public and defense procurement and is working to provide the army; athlete Irfan Mirzoyev, a world champion wrestler who was forced to leave Crimea after the occupation but continues to represent it; Mufti Ayder Rustemov, who organizes assistance to the military and civilians and counteracts propaganda.

PHOTO: president.gov.ua

The awards also went to Nariman Suleymanov, a prosecutor working to bring Russia to justice for war crimes, and coach Lenur Temirov, who supports displaced athletes and trains a new generation of champions. The order was also given to human rights activist Leniya Umerova, who spent almost two years in Russian custody on trumped-up charges and, after her release, continued to fight for the rights of political prisoners.

Among the awardees are Mustafa Ametov, a writer and activist who develops the Crimean Tatar language and literature, and Suleiman Mamutov, an international lawyer who represents Ukraine at the UN and promotes the issue of violations of the rights of Crimean Tatars at the international level.

PHOTO: president.gov.ua

The Order of Princess Olha, III degree, was awarded to Emine Emirsaliyeva, an entrepreneur and volunteer who has organized large-scale assistance, including food for the military and civilians, since the beginning of the full-scale war, and whose establishments have become support points during the difficult winter.

The President also conferred honorary titles. " Dzhemil Karikov, a composer and researcher of Crimean Tatar music who popularizes it in Ukraine and abroad, was awarded the title of People's Artist of Ukraine. Rustem Skybin, a ceramist who develops traditional art and donates funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was awarded the title of People's Artist of Ukraine.

" Najie Ametova, who covers the occupation of Crimea and the history of political persecution, was awarded the title of Honored Journalist of Ukraine. Sabriya Slasten, a teacher who develops Crimean Tatar philology and education, was awarded the title of "Honored Education Worker of Ukraine".

PHOTO: president.gov.ua

The Order of Princess Olga of the III degree was awarded to Emine Emirsalieva, an entrepreneur and volunteer who has organized large-scale assistance since the beginning of the full-scale war, including food for the military and civilians, and her establishments have become support points during the difficult winter.The title of "Honored Teacher of Ukraine" was awarded to Gulnaz Adzhigeldieva and Afiza Emiramzaeva, teachers who create textbooks, educational programs and popularize the Crimean Tatar language among young people.

The President emphasized that the Crimean Tatar people, together with Ukrainians, continue to fight for freedom, and their contribution is an important part of the common victory and the future return of Crimea.

Last year, the President of Ukraine awarded Jamala, a singer of Crimean Tatar origin, with the state decoration. The award was in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Crimean Tatar culture and her active support of Ukraine in the international arena.

Анна Бальчінос