Crimean Tatar leader to face trial for separatism in Russia

Umerov, deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the Mejlis, said he and his lawyer were informed on March 21 that the case against him had been sent to a court in Russia-controlled Crimea, Radio Liberty reports. He also said he has received the final written charges, a step that is often followed within days or weeks by a trial. Umerov, 59, was charged with separatism in May 2016 after he made public statements opposing Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014. He denies the charges, saying he has the right to express his opinions freely. As reported, after the takeover, Russia adopted a law making it a criminal offense to question Russia's territorial integrity within what the government considers its borders.