No: 102, 27 April 2016

The activities of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People are declared prohibited on April 26th, subsequent to the process initiated a while ago by the de facto administration in Crimea, which is under the occupation of the Russian Federation.

The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People (MCTP) is the legitimate representative and decision-making body elected by means of democratic processes through which the free will of our Crimean Tatar kinsmen is manifested. The prohibition of the activities of the MCTP is the latest link in the chain of measures targeting the unity and integrity of the Crimean Tatars following the occupation and illegitimate annexation of the Peninsula by the Russian Federation. With this decision, Crimean Tatars are subjected to face a new step by which they are being forced to submit and surrender to policies of terrorization, suppression and intimidation.

We deplore and condemn this decision as the latest manifestation of systematic and collective suppression towards the Crimean Tatar society, as well as the blows targeting the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people living in the Peninsula.

Turkey will continue to resolutely support the legitimate struggle of Crimean Tatars and efforts to put an end to such repressive steps they face.