Abstract
Russian security forces arrive at a meeting held by Crimean Solidarity, an unofficial association of human rights defenders, volunteers and lawyers, in Sudak, January 2018.
A series of photos from inside Crimea by photographers now forbidden from the region provide a snapshot of life under Russian occupation
The large-scale persecution in the Crimean Peninsula began on the first day of the occupation. Hundreds of people have since been arrested for political reasons, most of them Crimean Tatars and some journalists, while Crimeans who are out of prison live in an increasingly restricted environment. In the Spring issue of Index, leader of the Tatars Nariman Dzhelyal, himself inprisoned, likened Crimea to a concentration camp for the 21st century.
Speaking of the images, Savchuk said that they “are a small part of all the stories from the occupation that we were lucky to see, hear and broadcast.
“These stories are about people who stayed on their native land despite intimidation and threats, arrests and trials, torture and humiliation by (pro) Russian security forces. These are stories about the destroyed destinies of hundreds of families, trumped-up terrorism, persecution based on nationality, religion, and views. But they are also about love for native land and loved ones, solidarity and mutual support, faith in the victory of truth and goodness,” Savchuk said.
The photos formed part of an exhibition created by the Human Rights Centre ZMINA, in cooperation with the Mission of the President of Ukraine in Crimea. This is the first time they have been published in print, with permission.
Server Karametov (left) and Ayder Ismailov (right) in Simferopol on the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Crimean Tatar genocide, May 2018.
Seitmamut Asanov, son of political prisoner Marlen Asanov, films his father being escorted from a prison van to the court for another hearing, June 2019.
A search takes place of Crimean Tatar Yusuf Toroz’s house. After the search Yusuf and his son Server were charged with possession of weapons and drugs, although the police found nothing. Server was taken away to an unknown destination.
Women pray at the house of the Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis, Crimean political prisoner Akhtem Chiygoz, on his birthday in Bakhchysarai, 14 December 2016. In occupied Crimea the home is often the safest place to pray.
Festive prayer at a mosque in honor of the release of political prisoner Enver Krosh after his sentence, February 2018.
Ibram Kashka at the grave of his mother Vedzhie, August 2018. During her life, Vedzhie was a renowned activist. Russian security forces detained her, at aged 82, on 23 November 2017. She died in detention.