20 March 2026

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Publishes Report on Violations of Religious Human Rights, Including in Crimea

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released a new report documenting numerous violations by Russia of the right to freedom of religion in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, particularly in Crimea. The document specifically highlights the repression against Crimean Tatars.

According to the report, throughout 2025, Russia continued its practice of criminalizing the activities of peaceful religious organizations. They are designated as “extremist,” “terrorist,” or “undesirable” without sufficient evidence. As a result, hundreds of Muslims have received long prison sentences on charges related to alleged participation in the Hizb ut-Tahrir organization.

The report also notes that Russia systematically applies its repressive legislation in the occupied territories. This includes regular searches, detentions, fines, confiscation of religious property, and the persecution of religious figures and civic activists. The pressure on Crimean Tatar journalist Lutfiie Zudiieva is cited as an example.

The document gives special attention to the detention conditions of imprisoned individuals, particularly Muslims. Cases of ill-treatment have been documented, including torture, restrictions on religious practices, and inadequate conditions in places of detention.

Based on its analysis, the Commission recommends that the U.S. government designate Russia as a “Country of Particular Concern” for its systematic violations of religious freedom. It also proposes imposing targeted sanctions against the institutions and officials involved and raising this issue during bilateral contacts with Russia.

The published report once again confirms the systematic nature of religious freedom violations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and the need to increase international pressure on the aggressor state.