13:16 20.05.2015

Crimean Tatars can’t protest on peninsula, can only visit mosques, pray at homes – Chubarov

2 min read
Crimean Tatars can’t protest on peninsula, can only visit mosques, pray at homes – Chubarov

The de facto Crimean authority has done everything possible to prevent mass rallies by the Crimean Tatars to mark the 71st anniversary of their deportation, Head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, MP Refat Chubarov has said.

"This year they banned any mass requiem rallies, except for those held by the occupation authorities and some of their collaborators among the Crimean Tatars, – unfortunately there are some, even though [they are] very few. They hold such operations publicly to show their alleged understanding of the tragedy of May 18," Chubarov said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday.

He said that the current de facto Crimean authorities have only left the mosques to Crimean Tatars, "but everything is supervised there," adding that Crimean Tatars can also "stay home and pray."

Chubarov said that the Crimean Tatars have held rallies on May 18 every year, including during their exile.

"All these [events] united the Crimean Tatars, allowed [them] to preserve [their] memory," he said.

According to Chubarov, every member of the Mejlis has received "so-called notices" warning them against so-called extremist action. He added that four Crimean Tatars are currently being held by the FSB.

Mejlis leader also said he was sure that Russia will have to leave Crimea soon and urged the Crimean Tatars to be patient and remain united, saying that time is needed.

"Therefore, our compatriots in Crimea and those who have to stay outside [Crimea] must be united. We understand that all our compatriots living in Crimea suffer the most. Let Allah give you patience and powers and the ability to once again unite on our native land," Chubarov said.

As reported, rallies were held in Kyiv to honor those who died in the genocide of the Crimean Tatars and their deportation on May 18, 1944.

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