The leader of the Crimean Tatar people, Mustafa Dzhemilev, was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
The presentation of the state’s highest honor took place on the 80th birthday of the renowned human rights defender, public figure, politician, and former political prisoner.
“Today Mustafa Dzhemilev turned 80. I congratulated him, thanked him for defending the freedom of Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar people, and honored him with the title of Hero of Ukraine”, Zelensky announced.
Zelensky described Dzhemilev as a strong, dignified, and brave individual who has dedicated his life to defending the freedom of peoples.
“I wished for what we all wish for: the victory of Ukraine and freedom for all parts of our state. And we are doing everything to bring the liberation of Crimea closer”, the president said.
Mustafa Dzhemilev is a prominent political figure and leader of the Crimean Tatar community. He’s known for his advocacy for human rights and the rights of the Crimean Tatar people. Dzhemilev played a significant role in the movement for the rights of Crimean Tatars in Ukraine and their struggle for recognition, particularly during the Soviet era.
He was a prominent dissident during the Soviet era, advocating for the rights of Crimean Tatars, who faced deportation and oppression under Stalin. Dzhemilev himself experienced the deportation of his family to Central Asia in 1944. He became an activist for the rights of Crimean Tatars, striving for their right to return to their homeland and working toward their cultural and political revival.
Dzhemilev was elected as the chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, an assembly representing the Crimean Tatars, and he has been a member of the Ukrainian parliament. His efforts have earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards.
Photo: OP
