Crimean Tatar leader faces trial on Russia-controlled peninsula
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 March 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Crimean Tatar leader faces trial on Russia-controlled peninsula, 2 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a5cf10.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 02, 2017
Ilmi Umerov, deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the Mejlis (file photo)
A Crimean Tatar leader who has criticized Russia's annexation of the Black Sea peninsula is expected to go on trial within weeks.
Ilmi Umerov, deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the Mejlis, said on Facebook that investigators from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) told his lawyers on March 1 that they had wrapped up their case.
Umerov's lawyer, Emil Kurbedinov, said defense attorneys were given a March 7 deadline to read the case materials – which he said consisted of three 250-page volumes.
Kurbedinov said the trial will start in about a month.
Umerov, 59, was charged with separatism in May 2016, after he made public statements opposing Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014.
He denies the charges, saying he has the right to express his opinions freely.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
