Joint statement on arrest and detention of Crimean lawyer Rustem Kyamilev

Lawyers for Lawyers and the Alliance for Lawyers at Risk, alongside other human rights organisations, published a statement condemning the violent raid on the home of Crimean human rights lawyers Lilia Hemedzhy and Rustem Kyamilev. Both have been defending the rights of Crimean Tatars and political prisoners, and facing intimidation and harassment aimed at pressuring them into ceasing their human rights work. On 7 November 2024, officers of the Centre to Counteract Extremism violently raided their homes, and Rustem Kyamilev was arrested and remains in detention. The organisations call on the responsible authorities to release Rustem Kyamilev, cease interfering with lawyers’ work and reinstate Lilia Hemedzhy and Rustem Kyamilev’s membership in the regional Bar Association

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