DISINFO: Finnish election observer: Crimea is the most democratic place in the world
SUMMARY
43 election observers from 20 countries came to observe the elections in Crimea. Finnish election observer and human rights activist Johan Bäckman says the Russian elections were transparent and democratic / there is a real democracy in Crimea / Crimea is the most democratic place in the world.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation regarding Finns visiting Crimea. Visitors do not in any way represent the Finnish state. It is a "delegation" led by well-known Pro-Kremlin propagandist Johan Bäckman. Finland condemns the illegal annexation by Russia, which is against the international law. formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=373136&nodeid=15146&contentlan=2&culture=en-US, The European Union - and Finland as its member state - does not recognise the holding of elections by the Russian Federation in the Crimean peninsula. The OSCE/ODIHR observers did not conduct any activities in these illegally-annexed territories, participation of EU Member States' diplomats in observation activities within the framework of the OSCE/ODIHR EOM was also limited to the recognised territory of the Russian Federation. eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/41606/statement-presidential-elections-russian-federation_en, For background on fake election observing missions, see: www.tango-noir.com/2018/01/29/european-council-on-democracy-and-human-rights-presidential-election-in-crimea-is-fair-free-and-legitimate/,