On 5 May, illegally imprisoned Crimean Tatar human rights defender Server Mustafaiev marks his birthday.

Server Mustafaiev was born in 1986 in the Samara region, but he spent most of his life in Crimea, in Bakhchysarai. He received an education in heat and gas supply and ventilation, worked in sales and entrepreneurship, and co-founded a chain of bakeries. At the same time, he actively participated in community life, organising events, supporting social initiatives, and helping low-income families.

Following the beginning of the temporary occupation of Crimea in 2014, the human rights defender began systematically helping the families of the illegally imprisoned; he also became one of the coordinators of the “Crimean Solidarity” initiative.

On 21 May 2018, Russian security forces searched his home in Bakhchysarai and subsequently detained him. He was charged under an article for “participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation”, specifically in the “Hizb ut-Tahrir” case. In 2020, a Russian “court” sentenced him to 14 years of imprisonment.

Server Mustafaiev has been held in Russian captivity for over six years. Despite the pressure, he remains one of the symbols of civil resistance in Crimea.

Today, he once again marks his birthday behind bars. His story is about responsibility, solidarity, and the readiness to protect others even in the most difficult conditions.