Crimean Tatar National Flag Day passed without arrests in Russian-occupied Crimea this year, but each group of people who joined together in flash mobs and other gatherings knew that they could face detention, fines, or harassment later. Nor could any Crimean Tatar with an active civic position be unaware of the danger since June 26 was also the 41st birthday of Emir-Usein Kuku, a human rights activist who has been held in detention since February on fabricated charges.
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Halya Coynash: United by persecution, Crimean Tatars celebrate National Flag Day
A Crimean Tatar covered with the flag of the Crimean Tatars, holds a placard reading "Free political prisoners-hostages", during a demonstration of Crimean Tatars, in front of the Russian embassy in Kyiv, on Nov. 6. 2015.
