On September 13, 2018, representatives of Russia-controlled security forces conducted a search at the home of Osman Belyalov, activist of the Crimean Solidarity. The search was followed by the arrests of the activist’s father as well as Selim Teyfuk and Eldar Umerov. The latter two recorded the actions of the police, OMON and Russian National Guard using their cellphones.

During this search Osman Belyalov wasn’t at home due with business trip to Simferopol city. He didn’t reached his destination and there is no connection with him at the moment.

The Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union considers these actions by representatives of the security forces of Crimean occupying authorities disproportionate interference with and violation of the right to liberty and security of person, as well as freedom of expression. The systematic actions of the occupying authorities aimed at suppression, illegal detentions and searches in the homes of representatives of the Crimean Tatar community show signs of illegal and politically motivated persecution.

In light of the above, the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union:

• calls on the occupying authorities of the Russian Federation to cease political persecution of Crimeans and civil society activists;
• calls on the Government of Ukraine to condemn the actions of Crimean occupying authorities against Crimean Solidarity activist Osman Belyalov, as well as to address the issue of state aid for persons that are being persecuted for political reasons by the occupying authorities and the Russian Federation.

Osman Belyalov is an activist of the Crimean Solidarity; he works with social and domestic problems faced by the families of political prisoners, and he also concerns himself with broad community issues.

Belyalov had already been prosecuted for an administrative offense under part 2, Article 20 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offenses, for participating in an allegedly unauthorized rally near the Salachyk cafe in Bakhchysarai on May 12, 2016. Back then, activists gathered in front of the cafe after finding out that Russian security forces were conducting searches in homes of the Crimean Tatars.

Oleksandr Pavlichenko, Executive Director, UHHRU

cover photo – Crimean Solidarity