Accessibility links

Breaking News

Russian Police Search Detained Crimean Tatar Official's Home


Russian police have searched the house of a detained deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis.

Mejlis chairman Refat Chubarov told reporters in Kyiv that police searched Ahtem Ciygoz's house in the Crimean city of Bakhchysaray on January 30.

Chubarov condemned the January 29 arrest of his colleague and called the activities of Russian authorities in Crimea -- which was annexed by Moscow in March -- "lawless."

On January 29, a Simferopol court sent Ciygoz to pretrial detention until
February 19.

Russian officials said Ciygoz is suspected of organizing deadly mass disorder in front of the Crimean parliament when Crimean Tatars and other pro-Ukrainian activists clashed with pro-Russian demonstrators on February 26, 2014.

Since Russia's March annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, activists, community leaders, and rights groups have said Crimean Tatars have faced discrimination, pressure, and abuse.

  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service

    RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service has seen its audience grow significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and is among the most cited media outlets in the country. Its bold, in-depth reporting from the front lines has won many accolades and awards. Its comprehensive coverage also includes award-winning reporting by the Donbas.Realities and Crimea.Realities projects and the Schemes investigative unit.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG