Crimean Tatar Leader Likely To Face Trial Soon On Separatism Charge
By RFE/RL
A Crimean Tatar leader who has criticized Russia's seizure of the Black Sea peninsula appears likely to face trial soon on what he says are spurious charges of separatism.
Ilmi Umerov, deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the Mejlis, said he and his lawyer were informed on March 21 that the case against him had been sent to a court in Russia-controlled Crimea.
He also said he has received the final written charges, a step that is often followed within days or weeks by a trial.
Umerov, 59, was charged with separatism in May 2016 after he made public statements opposing Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014.
He denies the charges, saying he has the right to express his opinions freely.
Russia took control of Crimea after sending in troops and staging a referendum considered by most countries worldwide as illegitimate.
After the takeover, Russia adopted a law making it a criminal offense to question Russia's territorial integrity within what the government considers its borders.
RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena went on trial in Crimea on March 20 on separatism charges he says are unfounded.
Trump To Reaffirm 'Strong Commitment' At NATO Summit In May
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to attend a NATO summit on May 25 in Brussels.
In a statement on March 21, the White House said that Trump "looks forward to meeting with his NATO counterparts to reaffirm our strong commitment to NATO."
It said he also plans to "discuss issues critical to the alliance, especially allied responsibility-sharing and NATO’s role in the fight against terrorism."
Trump caused concern during the presidential campaign by calling NATO obsolete.
He has since stressed that the United States is committed to NATO but has pushed hard to get other members of the 28-nation military alliance to increase defense spending, saying that many are not paying their fair share.
The statement also said that Trump will meet with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the White House on April 12.
With reporting by Reuters
RFE/RL's Brian Whitmore takes a look at Putin's Plan B in Ukraine in today's Daily Vertical commentary:
