Shayib Suleymanov, Head of the Muslim community in the village of Voinka, Krasnoperekopsk area, said that the recent search carried out by Russian special services in his home is yet another intimidation attempt directed at Crimean Tatars. He said it in the comment to Radio Liberty’s Krym.Realiyi project.
“Maybe I have been chosen as a target for bullying. We have the largest village in Krasnoperekopsk area, some 400 families live here. And this is probably a maneuver. I cannot attribute it to anything else,” Suleymanov said.
Meanwhile, the head of Krasnoperekopsk regional Mejlis Sanie Ametov said that the reason for the search could become critical remarks of its villagers against Mufti of Crimea Emirali Ablayev. In addition, Suleymanov denied ever having criticized the Head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Crimea and Sevastopol.
Immediately after the search, the chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea and Sevastopol invited Suleymanov and promised him support.
The Russian security forces in Crimea have not provided official commentary for this fact.
Employees of the riot police and other security forces came with a search warrant to the house of Shayib Suleymanov, head of the Muslim community of the Crimean village of Voinka on March 3. They explained their actions by the fact that, according to available information, he sheltered 10 Crimean Tatars in his house who were plotting an attack.
On March 4, the Crimean Muftiyat responded to the search: they expressed concern and asked for explanations from the police.
Ukrainian Parliament has officially announced February 20, 2014 the beginning of the temporary occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia. On October 7, 2015, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed a relevant law. International organizations have recognized the occupation and annexation of Crimea as illegal and condemned Russia's actions. Western countries have introduced a series of economic sanctions. Russia has denied the occupation of the peninsula and called it “restoration of historical justice.”