As was widely expected, the Russian authorities have closed the last Tatar language independent media outlets in Crimea, including the broadcaster ATR. Many international voices raised against the latest violation of the freedom of expression. But in Crimea nobody cares.
It was only a matter of time. The repression of the freedom of the Tatar community in Crimea had begun even before the annexation of the peninsula, from the very first moves of the military occupation. The shut down of ATR, the last independent channel to broadcast in the Crimea, is only the latest step in order of time of the Russification of Crimea.
The almost complete disappearance of the Ukrainian language in schools, the closure of the Orthodox churches of the Patriarchate of Kiev and the barring of some Tatar community from entering the peninsula, are just some of the pieces of a more structured framework. The closure of ATR has caused complaints by international organizations and foreign political leaders, but so far it seems to be fine for Crimeans.
International concern
The strongest voice that stood up was that of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Nils Muiznieks. “Appropriate measures must immediately be taken to enable independent and unhindered broadcasting of ATR TV”, he said in a statement. “Favourable and secure conditions must be created for other media outlets and journalists working in Crimea”.
During his mission to Crimea in September 2014, Commissioner Muižnieks discussed the media freedom situation with local journalists, and collected information about the situation around ATR Channel. In his subsequent report the Commissioner referred to attempts to influence the TV’s content and editorial policies through checks and warnings undertaken in the name of fighting extremism. In that report, the Commissioner also raised concerns about other actions which had targeted members of the Crimean Tatar minority.
Also the US State Department issued a statement condemning the ” Russian occupation authorities” for what is just “the latest in a string of actions that undermine freedom of expression in Crimea.”
The hangover
We already know that these and other statements will remain empty words. Neither the majority of the population of Crimea will never have to say about these measures which, ultimately, affect only part of the Tatar population, namely those who are not aligned with the Kremlin. As fifteen years of Putinism has accustomed us to see, Russian people are willing to trade a share of freedom in exchange for an improvement in living conditions. And if these freedoms affect primarily ethnic minorities, well, it’s even easier.
Despite after the party for the annexation Crimeans woke up with a collective hangover made of rising unemployment, rising prices and reduced salaries, expectations from the great mother Russia are still high enough to bring down the Tatar issue into the background. In addition, one might say, they have already headaches for other reasons. In short, Crimeans can well live without ATR TV.
@daniloeliatweet
It was only a matter of time. The repression of the freedom of the Tatar community in Crimea had begun even before the annexation of the peninsula, from the very first moves of the military occupation. The shut down of ATR, the last independent channel to broadcast in the Crimea, is only the latest step in order of time of the Russification of Crimea.
The almost complete disappearance of the Ukrainian language in schools, the closure of the Orthodox churches of the Patriarchate of Kiev and the barring of some Tatar community from entering the peninsula, are just some of the pieces of a more structured framework. The closure of ATR has caused complaints by international organizations and foreign political leaders, but so far it seems to be fine for Crimeans.
