PACE Approves Compensation Resolution for Crimea Damage - New Claims Open

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has adopted a resolution paving the way for compensation for the damage caused by Russia since the beginning of the occupation of Crimea in 2014. The document emphasizes the importance of taking into account the damage caused by the aggressor's actions, including violations of the rights of the peninsula's residents.

This was reported by the press service of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

By expanding the register of losses, victims can claim compensation, and opportunities for new lawsuits are opening up. PACE supports the creation of a special tribunal and emphasizes the responsibility of Russia and Belarus for war crimes.

The resolution also supported the opening of seven new categories of claims in the Register of Damages, including disappearances, torture, sexual violence, inhuman treatment, and grievous bodily harm.

Against the backdrop of this decision, more and more violations have been recorded. As of April 14, the occupation authorities have illegally detained 225 people, 134 of whom are Crimean Tatars. Residents of the peninsula are being punished with fines for disseminating "unwanted" information: over 1200 cases have been recorded over the year, almost half of which involve women.

Intimidation and exemplary cases continue. For example, an 18-year-old Crimean man was detained for allegedly "preparing a terrorist attack," and six members of the so-called "second Dzhankoy group" may be sentenced to 17 years in prison. Political prisoner Server Mustafayev was transferred to an isolation ward without explanation - his family suspects religious motives. Other political prisoners, such as Khalil Ametov and Gennadiy Limeshko, are facing new charges or harsh conditions of detention. The health of many behind bars is deteriorating, such as that of Rustem Gugurik, who has been left without medical care. Ansar Osmanov is being illegally transferred thousands of kilometers into the interior of Russia.

The occupation authorities also continue forced mobilization: at least 1907 soldiers from units in Crimea have been killed, more than a thousand of whom may be Ukrainian citizens. More than 100 prisoners of war have been recorded.

At the same time, the militarization of the peninsula continues: activists have recorded new military facilities, such as the Pantsir-S1 in Sevastopol, and the Opuk Nature Reserve has been turned into a training ground. In Bakhchisarai, a "school of young commanders" was opened for teenagers to prepare them for service.

Earlier, the initiative "Tribunal for Putin" identified 5340 cases of enforced disappearances and submitted this information to the International Criminal Court and the UN Working Group. Human rights activists hope that the next step will be direct contact between ICC prosecutors and victims who are willing to testify against Russia.

Анна Бальчінос