EU calls for immediate release of Crimean Tartar leader

BRUSSELS, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- The EU condemned Saturday the forced psychiatric confinement and examination of the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis, Ilmi Umerov, of the Crimean Tartars who was charged of separatism in May, as "a clear violation of international human rights standards." "We call for his immediate release and, given the serious concerns over his health, urgent and appropriate medical care must be ensured," said Maja Kocijancic, a spokesperson for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement.
She noted that the EU "has repeatedly stressed the deterioration of the human rights situation in Crimea and Sevastopol since the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation." "The rights of the Crimean Tatars have been gravely attacked through the banning of the activities of the Mejlis, the self-governing body of Crimean Tatars, and by labelling it "an extremist organisation", said the EU statement.
"The European Union remains committed to fully implement its policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula," it added. (end) nk.tg