Quote for the Week

Week-ending 28 May 2021

“The decision to keep Emir-Usein Kuku behind bars demonstrates the Russian state’s disdain for the rule of law and its international human rights obligations, and speaks volumes about its desire to eradicate dissent in annexed Crimea. Emir-Usein Kuku and his co-defendants were convicted and sentenced to lengthy imprisonment on the basis of trumped-up charges and in overt disregard of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the application of an occupying power’s legislation in an occupied territory. They have been accused of membership of an organization prohibited in Russia, but not in Ukraine. What is more, this purported membership has not even been proven, nor have other crimes of which they stand accused. Today’s ruling needs to be called what it is, a mockery of international law and justice. We will not be silent and we will continue calling for Emir-Usein Kuku’s immediate and unconditional release. So should the rest of the world.”

-Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Moscow Office Director, responding to news that the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has rejected the appeal by the imprisoned Crimean Tatar human rights defender and prisoner of conscience Emir-Usein Kuku. Natalia Zviagina attended the court hearing. See ‘Russia/Ukraine: Crimean Tatar human rights defender’s sentence upheld in mockery of international law,’ Amnesty International, 26 May 2021

Source:

Amnesty International, 26 May 2021: Responding to news that the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has rejected the appeal by the imprisoned Crimean Tatar human rights defender and prisoner of conscience Emir-Usein Kuku, Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Moscow Office Director who attended the court hearing, said: “The decision to keep Emir-Usein Kuku behind bars demonstrates the Russian state’s disdain for the rule of law and its international human rights obligations, and speaks volumes about its desire to eradicate dissent in annexed Crimea.” “Emir-Usein Kuku and his co-defendants were convicted and sentenced to lengthy imprisonment on the basis of trumped-up charges and in overt disregard of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the application of an occupying power’s legislation in an occupied territory. They have been accused of membership of an organization prohibited in Russia, but not in Ukraine. What is more, this purported membership has not even been proven, nor have other crimes of which they stand accused. “Today’s ruling needs to be called what it is, a mockery of international law and justice. We will not be silent and we will continue calling for Emir-Usein Kuku’s immediate and unconditional release. So should the rest of the world.”