October 22, 2014

Enforced 'disappearances' in Crimea

located:	Russia, Ukraine
editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

According to Human Rights Watch, at least seven people have been forcibly disappeared in Crimea since May.

Two are pro-Ukraine activists, while the other five are Crimean Tatars who openly opposed Russia's annexation of Crimea in March.

In recent days, two more Crimean Tatars have gone missing, and one was found hanged on October 6.

“The disappearances are contributing to the atmosphere of fear and hostility in Crimea for anyone who is pro-Ukraine, including Crimean Tatars,” said Yulia Gorbunova, Europe and Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The de-facto authorities need to investigate all potential leads in these disappearances, including whether paramilitary groups or Russian security forces were behind them.”

Human Rights Watch reports: "In the past six months the de-facto authorities have steadily increased pressure on some members of the Crimean Tatar community. The authorities have issued several warnings to Mejlis, the body that represents Crimean Tatars with the authorities and international community, over what were called “extremist” activities, including flying a Ukrainian flag at the Mejlis office."

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