The Peninsula of Fear: Chronicle of Occupation and Violation of Human Rights in Crimea

THE PENINSULA OF FEAR: CHRONICLE OF OCCUPATION AND VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN CRIMEA A summary of factual documentation of international law violation emanating from the occupation of the autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine) by the Russian Federation military forces as well as of the human rights violations during February 2014 – February 2016

The most active stage of the occupation, from February 23 to March 16, 2014, was marked by the non-violent protests of the civilian population of Crimea. Anti-war rallies and demonstrations in support of the integrity of Ukraine were conducted in Simferopol, Sevastopol, Kerch, Bakhchisaray, Yalta, and other cities.

During this period, several civiс activists who openly protested against Russia's actions in Crimea, including Reshat Ametov, Andrey Shchekun, Anatoly Kovalsky, Yuriy Gruzinov, Yaroslav Pilunskiy, Alexey Gritsenko, Sergey Suprun, Natalia Luk'yanchenko and others, were kidnapped. Many of them were tortured while Reshat Ametov was brutally murdered.

The Russian Federation denied its military presence in Crimea in the lead-up to the so-called 'referendum' of March 16, 2014. Only a year later did the Russian authorities acknowledge that Russian troops were operating in Crimea.

The actions performed by Russia in Crimea are considered under international law as occupation – the seizure of a territory or a part of a territory of one state by another state's military forces.

An occupation is generally a result of direct warfare between two states. However, in the case of Crimea, there was no open military conflict, yet still a part of the territory of an independent Ukraine was occupied.

A so-called Crimean referendum was held under the conditions of occupation, in the presence of foreign military forces, and in an atmosphere of persecution of pro-Ukrainian activists. In such an environment it is impossible to speak about the free expression of the public's will.

The preparation of the 'referendum' was not intended to assess the true desires of Crimea's population, as the date of the 'referendum' was moved up several times, the time to prepare for the 'referendum' was only 9 days, the ability of journalists to cover events was restricted, and Ukrainian media was blocked.

At a later stage, the occupational authorities of the Crimea adopted several laws and other regulations that led to severe deterioration of the situation in Crimea and Sevastopol and to violation of human rights and freedoms.

The Decree of the VR of the ARC 'On Approval of Regulation on the Vigilante Group of the Crimea' dated March 11, 2014 and the Law of the Republic of Crimea 'On Militia – Vigilante Group of the Republic of Crimea' dated June 11, 2014 led to organization of a paramilitary group that participated in seizure of the peninsula, seizure of property, kidnappings and murders.