Russia is extending repressive measures in occupied Crimea to target those who dare ask why when their compatriots are facing persecution. On Dec. 6, Enver Sherfiyev, a Crimean Tatar from Bakhchysarai was convicted by a Russian-controlled court of taking part in an ‘unauthorized rally’ and fined 15 thousand roubles. He was the fourth Crimean Tatar to have been prosecuted merely for coming out onto the street on May 12, and asking why armed FSB and OMON riot police were once again carrying out searches of Crimean Tatar homes and taking their neighbours away in handcuffs. The aim is very clearly to frighten people in the hope that they will sit in their homes and just hope they’re not next.
Sherfiyev’s lawyer Edem Semedlyaev rejects the claim that there was a rally or political meeting that day. “People gathered spontaneously, like during a fire or a road accident. There were no slogans or no demands were put. We consider this to be pressure on people. The court ruling will be appealed.”
