Crimean Tatar leader likely to face trial soon on separatism charge
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 March 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Crimean Tatar leader likely to face trial soon on separatism charge, 22 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a69911.html [accessed 8 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 22, 2017
Ilmi Umerov
A Crimean Tatar leader who has criticized Russia's seizure of the Black Sea peninsula appears likely to face trial soon on what he says are spurious charges of separatism.
Ilmi Umerov, deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the Mejlis, said he and his lawyer were informed on March 21 that the case against him had been sent to a court in Russia-controlled Crimea.
He also said he has received the final written charges, a step that is often followed within days or weeks by a trial.
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.
Russia took control of Crimea after sending in troops and staging a referendum considered by most countries worldwide as illegitimate.
After the takeover, Russia adopted a law making it a criminal offense to question Russia's territorial integrity within what the government considers its borders.
RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena went on trial in Crimea on March 20 on separatism charges he says are unfounded.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
