It is noted that the main purpose of the raid was a forceful appointment of a new imam loyal to the occupation administration. The local religious community, which has been caring for the mosque since the 1990s, refuses to recognize the appointment by the DUMK, citing the questionable reputation and lack of relevant education of the occupiers’ protégé. Despite the fact that court proceedings regarding the right to use the mosque are still ongoing, the security forces decided to resolve the issue by force, without waiting for official decisions.
The report emphasizes that during the operation, law enforcement officers acted extremely harshly, using excessive force against peaceful parishioners. Several Muslims were detained and taken away to an unknown destination, which community representatives regard as an act of intimidation and an attempt to suppress any resistance. Eyewitnesses describe these events not as law enforcement activities, but as a classic raider seizure “under the umbrella” of the occupying authorities.
Now the Khan-Dzhami mosque community is trying to protect its rights and demands an investigation into the actions of officials who sanctioned the attack on the religious building. It is emphasized that there were no provocations on their part, and that the aggression of the security forces was unprovoked and aimed at the complete destruction of independent religious life in occupied Crimea.