On October 8, in the framework of the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2026, our expert Borys Babin discussed challenges of Russian repressions against freedom of belief in the occupied territories of Ukraine with participants of the Conference’s Plenary Session 4, “Tolerance and Non-discrimination I”. Relevant examples of systematic racism, xenophobia and discrimination, anti-Semitism and intolerance, and discrimination against Christians, Muslims, and members of other religions in Crimea were discussed.
Professor Babin emphasised ongoing repressions by Russian invaders against indigenous Crimean Tatar Muslims, as in the framework of politic prisoners, so regarding the seizure and closure of the Juma-Jami Mosque in Yevpatoria this winter, a site of immense spiritual and cultural significance to the Crimean Tatars.
The expert stressed the total Russia-committing violation of the religious rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war, as well as Christians and Muslims and of other confessions.
The expert reminded of our previous investigations on the demonstrative and provocative burning of the holy book for all Muslims – the Quran – in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, allegedly organized by “far-right-wing politicians” but de-facto orchestrated by Russian intelligence.
Professor Babin also described activities of our Association, including Olesya Tsybulko’s participation in the Central Europe Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief, held in Bratislava this June.
ARC’s efforts on the elaboration of effective means of determining the indicators of hate speech level as the challenge to the freedom of religion or belief in the framework of the interstate conflict, with examples of ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, were described.
Also, the growth of anti-Semitic and anti-Roma statements in Russian propaganda was noticed in Crimea, in addition to the hate speech and genocidal calls against ethnic Ukrainians, traditional for the Russian “authorities,” and propaganda, were mentioned.
