EU's top diplomat slams Russia for militarisation and human rights abuse in Crimea

Josep Borrell, EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, heavily criticised Russia for the human rights situation in the Crimean peninsula, six years after the peninsula’s status referendum.
EU’s top diplomat cited the increasing militarisation of the Crimean peninsula, which threatens the security landscape in the Black Sea region, as residents face systematic restrictions of fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, religion or belief and association, as well as of the right to peaceful assembly.
In a statement issued on March 16, the EU called for full compliance with international human rights standards in the Crimean peninsula, to ensure that journalists, human rights defenders and defence lawyers enjoy the right to work independently and without undue interference and intimidation.
On behalf of the EU, Borrell reiterated the bloc’s commitment to “fully implementing” a nonrecognition policy to the annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by Russia.
He also condemned the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge without Ukraine’s consent and pledged support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including through sanctions.
The EU called on Russia to end the pressure on the Crimean Tatars and the ban of Mejlis’ activities.
“Furthermore, Russian Federation should stop changing the demographic structure of the population by transferring its own civilian population to the peninsula,” reads the statement.