UN calls on Russia to stop using accusations of extremism and terrorism to persecute freedom of speech in Crimea

15:51, 25.09.2017 1 min read

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on Russia to stop using accusations of extremism and terrorism to prosecute freedom of speech in Crimea.

"Stop applying legislation on extremism, terrorism and separatism to criminalize free speech and peaceful conduct, and release all persons arrested and charged for expressing dissenting views, including regarding the status of Crimea," the OHCHR said in its recommendations to the Russian government issued in its report on the situation with human rights in the temporarily occupied Crimea over the period between February 22, 2014 and September 12, 2017.

The UN also called on Russia to Allow the development of independent and pluralistic media outlets, including those representing minority communities, and refrain from placing legal and administrative obstacles on their registration or operation.