Council of Europe Demands Russia End Crimea Occupation, Release Political Prisoners
March 11, 2025
Additionally, the Committee called for an end to discrimination against Crimean Tatars, emphasizing the need for education rights in Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian languages, as well as lifting movement restrictions between Crimea and mainland Ukraine.
The Committee also urged Russia to cooperate with international investigations into human rights violations and ensure accountability for breaches of international law.
The judgment specifically addresses violations of the European Convention of Human Rights that occurred from February 27, 2014, to September 16, 2022, including torture, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances.
In light of these issues, the Committee invited the 46 member states of the Council of Europe to explore means to enforce these judgments and ensure accountability for Russia's actions.
Moreover, the Committee insisted on halting all prisoner transfers from Crimea to Russia and called for the return of those already transferred.
The Committee emphasized the urgency of these actions to ensure the safe return of all individuals wrongfully detained in Crimea to Ukrainian jurisdiction.
During a quarterly meeting on March 11, 2025, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers addressed the ongoing situation in Crimea, specifically focusing on the Ukraine v. Russia case.
The Committee condemned Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, labeling it a violation of international law, and called for the immediate restoration of Ukrainian law in the region.
In its resolution, the Committee demanded the release of all Ukrainian political prisoners, including soldiers, ethnic Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, and journalists who have been illegally detained.
Furthermore, the Committee insisted that Russia allow independent monitoring of detainees' health and conditions, and provide a comprehensive list of all detained individuals.
The Committee urged an immediate cessation of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners, and called for access to legal aid, medical treatment, and communication with families.
Despite being expelled from the Council of Europe, Russia remains obligated to comply with judgments from the European Court of Human Rights, which the Committee noted have been largely ignored by Russian authorities.
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Council of Europe • Mar 11, 2025
Crimea: Russia must release Ukrainian political prisoners and respect human rights, says Committee of Ministers
Council of Europe • Mar 11, 2025
Crimea: Russia must release Ukrainian political prisoners and respect human rights, says Committee of Ministers