Authorities in Russia’s North Ossetia republic have said they are taking measures to protect Karina Kodzayeva, who became the target of an online harassment campaign after posts published by platforms affiliated with the Caucasian Community movement. In a response to journalist Ksenia Sobchak’s appeal, the office of the regional human rights commissioner said the case is under the personal supervision of regional head Sergei Menyaylo and that law enforcement agencies may seek to block channels used to distribute unlawful content and identify those responsible for administering them.
The Crimean authorities have banned raising and displaying the Crimean Tatar flag along with the flag of the Russian Federation on rulers in the schools of the peninsula. This was reported by the human rights organization "KrymSOS".
There was no written order to ban the flag, but officials from the administration came to schools and warned them, according to human rights activists. In addition, it is forbidden to hold events dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people. The planning of such events will be considered as "preparation of provocations".
A significant part of the Crimean Tatars opposed the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation. Most of them consider themselves citizens of Ukraine and criticize the Russian authorities. Many Crimean Tatars have been subjected to repression and long prison terms on charges of extremism and terrorism.