Yesterday at 23:53
Photo: ctrcenter.org
Since the beginning of the occupation of Crimea, the Russian Federation tried to reach an agreement with the Crimean Tatars to side with the occupiers. This was stated by head of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center Eskender Bariev in the air of DOM TV.
“There were attempts to come to an agreement with the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, attempts to attract Crimean Tatars to participate in the “referendum”, in the “elections”.
The Russian authorities tried to come to an agreement with Bariev several times, even offering him money for cooperation.
“They tried to come to an agreement with me. Three attempts were on their part, and one of the attempts – approximately $37 000. It was back in March 2014. Other attempts were already when they wanted to say that “for the sake of Crimea it is necessary to work” or “why not think about the future”. The last of these attempts was in July of 2014. After that, repressive actions started – a search of my house followed by persecution” – the head of the Center said.
Bariev added that the Kremlin is afraid of the Crimean Tatar people, in particular, of the consequences of Ukraine’s adoption of the law on indigenous peoples.
“Why are they afraid of Crimean Tatars? Probably because the Russian Parliament made a statement on Ukraine’s adoption of the law on indigenous peoples. Putin mentioned this law three times – and this is the head of state who makes the policy which then conducts” – the head of the Crimean Tatar Center noted.
