The EU considers the detention of Crimean Tatars illegal
The European Union considers the arrest of the Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea to be politically motivated and - since they were carried out under Russian law by the Russian "authorities" on the territory of Ukraine - illegal under international law.
The statement was made by Peter Stano, a spokesman for the European External Action Service, on July 8.
According to the statement, the EU does not recognize the application of Russian law in Crimea and Sevastopol and "expects that all illegally detained Ukrainians will be released without delay".
The EU calls on Russia to end pressure on Crimean Tatars and to adhere to international human rights standards.
"International human rights standards must be guaranteed on the peninsula. Full, free and unrestricted access of international human rights defenders to the entire territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol, remains a priority", - the statement said.
The European Union also remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
What is known
- On July 7, seven Crimean Tatars were arrested in four districts of occupied Crimea on the basis of speculation about their political beliefs.
- Precautionary measures against Crimean Tatars, who were detained by Russian security forces the day before, will be chosen by the occupation "court" in Simferopol on July 8.
- The Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea condemns the actions of the occupiers to persecute Ukrainian citizens with a public position.
- The United States Embassy has expressed deep concern over searches of Crimean Tatar homes.
