The conviction of seven Crimean Tatars, announced by a Russian court on 16 September 2020, is an example of the increasing policies of intimidation against Crimean Tatars.

Suppressing the Tatar Turkish community, the essential element of the Crimean Peninsula, by such methods is regrettable.

Turkey does not recognize the illegitimate annexation of Crimea and will continue to stand by its kinsmen, the Crimean Tatars, who have been defending their rights and interests by peaceful means and trying to make their voices heard through democratic methods.