ПОЛІТИКА РОСІЙСЬКОЇ ОКУПАЦІЙНОЇ ВЛАДИ ЩОДО КРИМСЬКИХ ТАТАР

Abstract

The article based on a wide source base (official materials of authorities, human rights organizations, statements and interviews of politicians and public figures, representatives of the Crimean Tatar movement, eyewitness testimonies, analytical and informational publications in the media) conducted a comprehensive analysis of Russia’s policy towards the Crimean Tatar people. The actions of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People in defense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity during the meeting on February 26, 2014 were analyzed. The position of Crimean Tatar political and public organizations on the illegal referendum on March 16, 2014 and Russia’s capture of Crimea was highlighted. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the Russian authorities and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, which included three periods: the confrontation in late February – March 2014 (peaceful protests, boycott of an illegal referendum), the search for compromise in late March – May 2014 (when the Majlis delegated its representatives to the leadership of the «government» and «parliament» of Crimea, controlled by Russia); since May 2014, when the Russian authorities failed to bring the Mejlis under their control and set a course to ban it and persecute leaders. The facts of collaboration of the Crimean Tatars, which, however, did not become widespread, were also considered. Attempts by the Russian authorities to establish relations with the Crimean Tatars are analyzed: rehabilitation of deported nations, preservation of the high status of the Crimean Tatar language, involvement of certain representatives of the Crimean Tatars in the occupation administration. The principles of the state policy of Ukraine and Russia regarding the Crimean Tatars are compared, the fact is emphasized that Ukraine, unlike Russia, recognizes them as the indigenous people of Crimea. The main forms of repressive policy against Crimean Tatars are considered: abduction and persecution of activists, liquidation of opposition media, restriction of freedom of peaceful assembly, violation of the right to freedom of association, imprisonment and deportation of leaders of Crimean Tatar organizations.