The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the suffering of the Crimean Tatars has intensified due to the annexation of Crimea
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the anniversary of the deportation of the Crimean Tatars and Circassians, highlighting the ongoing oppression of these indigenous peoples.
The document emphasizes that the suffering of the Crimean Tatars has significantly intensified as a result of the illegal annexation of the peninsula, which took place following actions by the Russian Federation. Turkey pledged continued support for the preservation of the Crimean Tatars’ national identity, language, and culture, as well as for the protection of their safety and well-being.
The statement notes that this year marks the 82nd anniversary of the forced expulsion of the Crimean Tatar people from their homeland, when, during the 1944 deportation, hundreds of thousands of people were sent to labor camps, where many of them perished. Separately, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned the Circassian expulsion, which took place 162 years ago and led to profound suffering for the peoples of the Caucasus who were forced to leave their homeland. The Turkish side expressed deep sympathy and shared the pain of the Crimean Tatars and the brotherly peoples of the Caucasus, honoring the memory of all those who lost their lives as a result of these historic humanitarian tragedies.
On the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatar People, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia continues the crimes against Ukraine that it began with the occupation of Crimea, and emphasized the importance of unity in the struggle.
In St. Petersburg, police detained three leaders of the Crimean Tatar children’s dance ensemble “Nefes” from occupied Crimea after they were photographed with a Crimean Tatar flag.
