Press Releases: Sentencing of Akhtem Chiygoz, Deputy Head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis
Press Statement
Heather Nauert
Department Spokesperson
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 13, 2017
We are deeply troubled by the conviction and 8-year sentence handed down on September 10 in Crimea to the Deputy Head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Akhtem Chiygoz, in connection with baseless charges related to a demonstration that took place before Russia’s occupation even began. This is just the latest in a long line of politically-motivated legal actions against the Mejlis and its leadership, which is being targeted for its opposition to Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea.