VP/HR — Raids and arbitrary arrests of Crimean Tatars
18.2.2016
Question for written answer E-001456-16
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Ilhan Kyuchyuk (ALDE)
In response to their vocal opposition to the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014, the indigenous Crimean Tatars have since been targeted with oppressive measures, including arbitrary arrests, torture, abductions and travel bans. Most recently, on 10-11 February 2016, Russian security forces conducted raids on houses of Crimean Tatar families, in the course of which they detained 12 individuals, including four well-known human rights activists currently standing trial on charges of ‘extremism’.
On 4 February 2016, Parliament adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Crimea, in particular of the Crimean Tatars[1], highlighting the need for the EU to put pressure on Russia to immediately end the politically motivated persecution of Crimean Tatars.
In light of these developments:
- 1.Is the VP/HR aware of the events which took place on 10-11 February 2016 in Crimea and the ensuing politically motivated charges against the detained human rights activists?
- 2.Has the VP/HR raised this issue with the appropriate authorities?
- 3.What concrete steps is the EU planning to take with regard to the human rights situation in Crimea, especially in light of Parliament’s resolution of 4 February 2016?
- [1] Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0043.