May 18, 2015, marked the 71st anniversary of the Soviet government's deportation of over 230,000 Crimean Tatars. This somber occasion was overshadowed by ongoing restrictions imposed by Russian authorities in Crimea. Last year, concerns were raised about Russia's ban on gatherings during the anniversary weekend. These restrictions persisted this year as well, with authorities once again prohibiting traditional memorial demonstrations.
Since Russia's occupation of Crimea in March 2014, human rights conditions have reportedly worsened significantly. The initial military intervention led to violence against those opposing the occupation, including journalists and ethnic minorities. Systemic repression continues under Russian control, with restrictive legislation applied retroactively in some cases.
The Crimean Tatar community has faced targeted persecution. Authorities have conducted numerous raids on homes and mosques and closed the headquarters of the Mejlis. A significant Tatar NGO was fined nearly $100,000. Prominent Tatar leaders like Mustafa Dzhemiliev and Refat Chubarov have been banned from Crimea.
Activists remaining on the peninsula face arrests and prosecutions for alleged crimes such as "extremism." Ahtem Ciygoz has been jailed since January 2015 on charges of organizing a mass riot; his detention was recently extended.
There is concern over uninvestigated disappearances and killings of Crimean Tatars early in the occupation. Reports of arson attacks on Tatar-owned businesses add to these concerns.
Crimea now ranks among the world's most restrictive media environments according to Freedom House's report, placing it near the bottom globally. In April 2015, authorities shut down almost all Tatar media outlets including ATR television station.
The citizenship policy enforced by Russian authorities raises additional issues for those refusing Russian citizenship. Such individuals are treated as foreigners without access to many public services or employment opportunities.
"The Crimean Tatars should be able to peacefully commemorate" their deportation anniversary without fear or restriction. There is a call for participating States to support access to Crimea by OSCE institutions to address these issues comprehensively.
Ukraine released a civil society report detailing legal concerns and human rights abuses in Crimea since its occupation began. The United States reiterated its call for Russia to end its occupation and return control of Crimea to Ukraine.