The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses its protest against the groundless detention of Mr. Edem Dudakov, Delegate to the Qurultay of the Crimean Tatar People, Member of the Audit Commission of the Qurultay, that took place on February 17 in the temporarily occupied Crimea. 

The citizen of Ukraine has been detained by the FSB of the Russian Federation after searching his house in Bakhchysarai, which began at 6 am. The lawyers were not allowed to be present. Edem Dudakov is currently waiting for a hearing in the so-called Bakhchysarai District Court, scheduled for the morning of February 18.

We consider such actions of the Russian occupation administration as a reaction to Edem Dudakov's public revelation of activities aimed at destroying the Khan's Palace in Bakhchysarai, which is part of Ukraine's cultural heritage.

We emphasize that illegal restriction of Edem Dudakov's freedom, deprivation of his right to defense due to the inadmissibility of lawyers, violation of his right to personal inviolability and disrespect for private life are unacceptable.

Russia must ensure full compliance with its obligations as an occupying power in accordance with international law, as well as comply with all UN General Assembly resolutions on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the human rights situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.

We call on the Russian Federation to end the harassment and political persecution of the residents of the temporarily occupied Crimea, and to immediately release Eden Dudakov and all citizens of Ukraine who are illegally detained for political reasons.