Today, we share the story of Crimean Tatar activist Ernes Ametov, who was unlawfully sentenced by Russia to 11 years in a maximum-security penal colony.

Life before the detention 

Ernes Ametov was born on May 30, 1985, in the city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where his family had been unlawfully deported by the Soviet totalitarian regime in 1944.

In 1992, his family returned to Crimea, settling in the city of Bakhchysarai.

After finishing school, Ernes enrolled at the Crimean Tavrida National University, where he earned a degree in law.

Ernes was deeply interested in the culture of his people, particularly Crimean Tatar decorative and applied arts. He practiced copper embossing and crafted cezve coffee pots. He was also passionate about filmmaking and created promotional videos.

What did the occupiers come up with?

On October 11, 2017, Russian security forces conducted another series of mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars, including the home of Ernes Ametov. Along with him, Seiran Saliiev, Marlen Asanov, Timur Ibrahimov, Server Zekiriaev, Memet Belialov, and Server Mustafaiev were also detained. 

After three years of “investigation” and unlawful “court” proceedings, Ernes was acquitted in 2020 due to a lack of evidence, marking the first such case in the so-called “Crimean Muslim case.” However, in March 2022, the appellate military court of Russia overturned the verdict, sending the fabricated case back for retrial.

On December 29, 2022, a court in Russia’s Rostov-on-Don sentenced Ernes Ametov to 11 years in a maximum-security penal colony and one year of restricted freedom.

“The court reminded me more of a conveyor belt sealing can lids—so flawless, frighteningly swift, and perfected to an ideal process. It felt as though they weren’t deciding a person’s fate but sealing another can—nothing personal, just business,” said Ernes Ametov.

Why was Ernes Ametov actually detained?

Ernes Ametov was an active public figure and citizen journalist, dedicated to defending human rights and supporting those unlawfully persecuted by Russia. He was deeply involved in the civic movement Crimean Solidarity, assisting victims of political persecution and their families. Ernes documented repressions against Crimean Tatars and other activists, including recording interviews with the parents and wives of imprisoned individuals.

His detention marked yet another episode in the systematic repression of Crimean Tatars due to their ethnic background, religious beliefs, and active civic stance.

Where is Ernes Ametov now?

Following another appeal in May 2023, Ernes Ametov was transferred to Penal Colony №12 in Sheksna, Volohda region, Russia, over 2,000 kilometers from Crimea.

The political prisoner’s health has been rapidly deteriorating—he has lost 10 kilograms while in Russian custody. Additionally, Ernes urgently needs vitamins to support his health, but the colony administration refuses to allow the delivery of vitamins or any other essential medications.