Residents of Mariupol urged not to vote in sham referendum to join Russian Federation, as they may be mobilised into Russian army

VALENTYNA ROMANENKO – WEDNESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2022, 14:53

The City Council of Mariupol is urging the residents of temporarily occupied Mariupol not to participate in the sham referendum on joining the Russian Federation, as the Russians may use their personal data for mobilisation.

Source: Mariupol City Council on Telegram

Details: It is noted that due to the successful counteroffensive by Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the Russian occupiers are panicking and rushing to hold sham referendums in the near future. In particular, they are preparing to hold one in Mariupol. The results are known in advance because there is no freedom of choice, the city council emphasised.

The occupying authorities tried to hold such a referendum in Mariupol back in 2014. However, it didn't work out, as Mariupol was freed from the illegal formations of the "DPR" [self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic].

Now, for the second time, the Russian occupiers are planning to organise a speedy referendum in Mariupol under the barrel of a gun, despite the hostilities, and in violation of all existing norms of democratic and international law.

Quote:

"Like the other time, the results of sham referendums won’t change anything this time either. Mariupol is, was, and will be Ukrainian!

We remind you that Article 111 part 1 [of the Criminal Code of Ukraine] establishes criminal liability for collaboration.

We call on residents of Mariupol not to participate in the sham referendum! Your personal data may be used for further manipulation and mobilisation."

Background:

The Russian occupiers plan to hold sham referendums on the incorporation of the occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts into Russia from 23 to 27 September.

On 21 September, Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilisation which would start that very day. Supposedly, only citizens who are in the military reserve will be called on for mobilisation.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced that 300,000 people would be mobilised into the Russian army.

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