10:35 29.09.2017

EU calls to repeal Umerov's illegal verdict

2 min read
EU calls to repeal Umerov's illegal verdict

The European Union believes that the verdict of the Simferopol District Court to Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Ilmi Umerov confirms the further deterioration of the situation with the observance of human rights in the occupied Crimea and urges for its immediate reversal.

"The European Union does not recognize the illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russian Federation and therefore does not recognize this "court" and its sentence. The sentencing of Mr Umerov is a serious violation of his human rights, another example of persecution of the Crimean Tatar community, and a further and clear illustration of the severe deterioration of human rights on the Crimean peninsula, as most recently documented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in his report published earlier this week," the EU Delegation said in a report issued on Thursday.

The EU said this conviction "is in breach of international humanitarian law and the European Union expects it to be reversed."

"The European Union is unwavering in its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We reiterate that all illegally detailed Ukrainian citizens on the Crimean peninsula and in Russia must be released immediately," the EU said.

As reported, on September 27, the Simferopol District Court sentenced Umerov to two years in a low-security colony.

Investigators of the Russian FSB in Crimea in May 2016 opened a criminal case against Umerov under Article 280.1 of the Russian Criminal Code on suspicion of incitement to violation of territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.

Under court ruling, Umerov underwent forced forensic psychiatric examination.

Umerov's defense team has appealed against the verdict.

For the time being, the 60-year-old handicapped politician will stay at home. If the appellate court upholds the verdict, Umerov will be sent to the low-security colony.

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