Arrest: On March 27, 2019, during mass searches of Crimean Tatar activists' homes in Crimea. Following the search, Medzhit Abdurakhmanov was detained by FSB officers and arrested on charges of participating in the activities of the Islamic political organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, which Russia has designated as terrorist, although it is not banned in Ukraine.

Sentence: On May 12, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Medzhit Abdurakhmanov to 12 years of imprisonment, with the first four years to be served in prison and the remainder in a strict regime colony. Russian authorities accused him of participating in the activities of Hizb ut-Tahrir. Ukraine and international human rights organizations consider the case politically motivated.

Abdurakhmanov Medzhit is a Crimean Tatar, a civic activist, and a Kremlin political prisoner. Before his arrest, he lived in the temporarily occupied Crimea with his family. He was known for his active civic stance, supporting the Crimean Tatar community and participating in the activities of the civic association 'Crimean Solidarity,' which assists families of political prisoners and highlights human rights violations in occupied Crimea.

On March 27, 2019, Russian security forces conducted a large-scale wave of searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Simferopol and surrounding areas. Over twenty activists, including Medzhit Abdurakhmanov, were detained that day. After the search, he was taken to court, which imposed pre-trial detention.

After his arrest, Abdurakhmanov was transferred to a pre-trial detention center in Rostov-on-Don, where he remained during the investigation. Russian law enforcement accused him of participating in Hizb ut-Tahrir activities. The charges were based on covert audio recordings, testimony from secret witnesses, and religious studies examinations, which human rights defenders repeatedly criticized as inadequate evidence.

During the trial, the defense repeatedly emphasized the lack of evidence of preparation or commission of any violent acts. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations stated that the case is part of a systematic campaign to persecute Crimean Tatars and suppress civic activity on the occupied peninsula.

On May 12, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don found Medzhit Abdurakhmanov guilty and sentenced him to 12 years of imprisonment. After the sentence came into force, he was transferred to Correctional Colony No. 9 in the city of Tsivilsk (Chuvash Republic, Russia).

During his imprisonment, his wife Elmira Abdurakhmanova repeatedly reported a deterioration in his health. According to her, he suffers from high blood pressure and is gradually losing his vision. Despite numerous appeals, the colony administration does not provide adequate medical care.

At the beginning of 2025, the colony administration transferred Medzhit Abdurakhmanov to a cell-type facility (PKT) without explanation, significantly tightening his detention conditions. Human rights defenders regarded this as additional pressure on the political prisoner.

By the end of 2025, it became known that his health continued to deteriorate. During a visit, his wife reported significant vision deterioration, blood pressure issues, and the lack of comprehensive treatment. Ukrainian human rights organizations continue to demand the release of Medzhit Abdurakhmanov and all Ukrainian citizens unlawfully detained by the Kremlin.

Medzhit Abdurakhmanov remains one of the many Crimean Tatar political prisoners persecuted by Russia for religious and civic reasons following the occupation of Crimea. His case exemplifies the use of Russian Federation anti-terrorism legislation to suppress civil society in the occupied territory.

Information used from open sources: Suspilne Crimea, Ukrinform, ZMINA.

Photo: Crimean Solidarity.

Date of update: 01.07.2026