As It Happens

Can Crimea hold a free and fair referendum?

The Crimean parliament is asking residents of Crimea to vote in a referendum to become part of Russia on March 16th. There are, however, serious concerns whether the autonomous state can conduct a free and fair vote in the current political climate....

The Crimean parliament is asking residents of Crimea to vote in a referendum to become part of Russia on March 16th. There are, however, serious concerns whether the autonomous state can conduct a free and fair vote in the current political climate.

Yesterday, in the Crimean capital, Simferopol, the UN envoy visiting the region, Robert Serry, was confronted by a group of unidentified men and forced to take shelter in a nearby café.

British television journalist, James Mates, was with Robert Serry at the time of the incident, and he tells Carol his thoughts on the situation in Crimea.