“Will Muslims be banned too?": The Mufti of Crimea took part in the election of new authorities of the peninsula

In Crimea, which according to Ukrainian and international law is considered occupied by the Russian Federation, elections to the State Council of the Republic of Crimea and municipal authorities were held. The event was also attended by representatives of religious organizations, among whom was the Mufti of Muslims of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol Haji Emirali Ablaev. This is reported by the publication “Voice of Crimea”.

It is reported that Haji Emirali Ablaev, having voted at one of the polling stations, noted that the duty of Crimeans is to make a choice for the future of the country. The realization of the planned improvements and interfaith stability in the republic depend on it.

It is worth noting that Emirali Ablaev, the head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Crimea and Sevastopol, was found guilty of collaborationist activities and denying the legitimacy of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, and glorification of its participants (Part 6 of Article 111-1, Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). He was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

However, Muslims operating in mainland Ukraine do not appear to be covered by Law No. 3894 (formerly No. 8371), even though they clearly maintain ties with Muslims in Crimea, which is expressly prohibited by the provisions of the law.