7 March 2014

In Yevpatoria, about 300 women of the Crimea have been on the streets as part of the action, ‘We are for Peace’. They are demonstrating against ‘Putin’s army’ and the referendum. Meanwhile, tensions continue in the stand off of Russian military and Ukrainian troops, as well as between Pro-Russian and Pro-Ukraine demonstrators in Crimea and Donetsk.

Crimea is now firmly under the control of a new pro-Moscow government, which does not recognize the authority of the new administration in Kyiv. The referendum that was called for March 16th depends on the support (pro-Russian support) from the Crimean Tatars.

Eskandar Baiibov, a deputy in the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, has said that his community is unanimous in its backing for the government in Kyiv. Further, Baiibov said that Crimean Tatars would boycott any referendum on joining Russia. But there is absolutely fear that by refusing support to Moscow they will be subjected to further pressure and violence.

For decades, the Crimean Tatars have been refused the recognition and support from Kyiv that their communities have been promised. The attention from all sides to Crimea and the Crimean Tatar population is unprecedented, and for the people, clear that they are merely pawns in the political power play.


In Sevestapol, journalists have been beated by Pro-Russian groups. Armed men confiscate Associated Press equipment.


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