On 5 December, Crimean Tatar activist and political prisoner Asan Akhtemov marks his 35th birthday in Russian captivity. For the fifth year in a row, instead of spending this day in his home with his wife and two children, he is held behind bars in a maximum-security penal colony in Russia’s Vladimir region, better known as “Vladimir Central”.

Before his imprisonment, Asan worked as a journalist and correspondent for the “Avdet” newspaper. He actively supported the Crimean Tatar language and culture, organised community initiatives, attended court hearings of political prisoners, and helped their families. He openly opposed the occupation of Crimea — it was precisely for this stance that he became a target for the Russian repressive machine.

On 3 September 2021, the Russian FSB detained Asan alongside his brother Aziz and the First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Nariman Dzhelyal. All three were accused of an alleged sabotage on a gas pipeline in Perevalne. After several days without access to lawyers, it became known that the Akhtemov brothers had been subjected to torture, including electric shocks, as well as physical and psychological pressure. In September 2022, an occupation “court” sentenced Asan to 15 years in a maximum-security penal colony and a fine of 500,000 rubles.

Despite the trials, Asan remains unbroken. We share this belief and are convinced that the day when Asan Akhtemov marks his birthday at home, in a free Ukrainian Crimea, is approaching.