On May 12, 2016, in occupied Bakhchysarai, Russian security forces carried out one of the first large-scale raids on the homes of Crimean Tatars, leading to the detention of four individuals: Remzi Memetov, Enver Mamutov, Zevri Abseitov, and Rustem Abiltarov. They were arrested under the so-called \u201cFirst Bakhchysarai Group of the Crimean Muslims Case\u201d on fabricated charges of alleged terrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On December 24, 2018, a court in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, sentenced Memetov, Abiltarov, and Abseitov to nine years in a high-security prison, while Mamutov received a 17-year sentence. In July 2019, following an appeal, the Russian Supreme Court reduced each sentence by three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the efforts of human rights defenders and the international community, the illegally imprisoned Crimean Tatars were forced to serve their full sentences. Abiltarov and Abseitov remained in Penal Colony No. 1 in Stavropol until the last day, while Memetov was held in Penal Colony No. 11 in the same city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During their unlawful imprisonment, the health of the Crimean Tatar activists deteriorated significantly due to poor detention conditions and lack of medical care. Zevri Abseitov developed kidney problems, dental issues, joint pain, and high blood pressure. Rustem Abiltarov suffered a stroke and a mild heart attack, experiencing kidney and joint pain. Remzi Memetov was diagnosed with hypertension and osteoarthritis. Despite these serious health issues, they remained resilient and eagerly awaited their release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rustem Abiltarov, Zevri Abseitov, and Remzi Memetov have now returned to their families. Their release stands as a symbol of the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the Crimean Tatar people in their fight for rights and freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their return is not only a moment of joy for their loved ones but also a reminder of the hundreds of other Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians who remain unjustly imprisoned in Russian prisons on fabricated charges. The fight for their release continues, reinforcing the undeniable truth: Crimea is Ukraine, and all those who have suffered under Russian repression must be brought home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":66459,"template":"","publication-type":[43],"class_list":["post-66468","press-center","type-press-center","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","publication-type-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n