Occupiers blocking 30 Ukrainian websites in Crimea

"Eight providers completely block 30 Ukrainian informational websites and two social networks in seven towns and villages of Crimea. The same providers block the websites of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Hizb ut-Tahrir, Jehovah's Witnesses and the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine," the Crimean Human Rights Group posted on Facebook based on results of the monitoring conducted in June.

In addition, these providers give only partial access to at least four Ukrainian informational websites.

According to the human rights activists, the number of blocked websites has increased compared to the monitoring conducted in March this year.

"Such actions of the Russian Federation significantly limit the access of Crimean residents to information of independent Ukrainian online media outlets and FM radio stations. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's policy in Crimea only complicates the situation, essentially depriving people of access to alternative reports on the pandemic in Ukraine and the world, on which the lives and health of these people may depend," human rights activists emphasize.

As reported, the Crimean Human Rights Group called on the OSCE and other international organizations to step up pressure on Russia to end the blockade of independent media in Crimea.

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