Detention: On September 27, 2019, Russian security forces searched the home and café premises of Ilver Ametov in occupied Sudak. During the search, they seized his membership card of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, museum exhibits, and documents. Ametov was charged with illegal acquisition and possession of weapons.

Sentence: On August 5, 2021, the Russia-controlled Sudak City 'court' sentenced Ilver Ametov to 8 months of restricted freedom under Part 1 of Article 222 of the Russian Criminal Code. The sentence included a ban on leaving his home at night, a requirement to report monthly to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and restrictions on leaving Sudak. In February 2022, the Russia-controlled Supreme 'court' of Crimea overturned the sentence and sent the case for retrial. The outcome of the retrial is not established in verified sources.

Ilver Ametov is a Crimean Tatar activist, head of the Sudak Regional Mejlis, and a veteran of the Crimean Tatar national movement. He has been known for his public activities in Sudak since the late 1980s. In 2011, he was elected head of the regional Mejlis. In 2013, he opened a museum of the Crimean Tatar people in his yard, collecting ancient items related to the history, culture, and life of the Crimean Tatars.

Russian security forces have previously conducted searches at Ametov's premises, notably in 2015 and 2017. Following the search on September 27, 2019, criminal proceedings began due to items seized from his private collection. Ametov believed the pressure was related to his public activities and his refusal to step down as head of the regional Mejlis.

In March 2021, it became known that Russian security forces continued to exert pressure on him. According to him, representatives of the occupying authorities accused him of financing the regional Mejlis, and the Sudak administration sought the demolition of his café. Human rights defender Abdureshit Jepparov regarded these actions as systematic persecution of a Crimean Tatar national movement activist.

In February 2024, Russian security forces again searched Ametov's home museum and seized several metal items for examination. Ametov stated that he believed the persecution was related to his public activities and his status as head of the Sudak Regional Mejlis.

Information used from open sources: Crimean Tatar Resource Center, ZMINA, Ukrainska Pravda, Krym.Realii, Center for Journalistic Investigations, Suspilne Crimea.

Photo: ZMINA.

Date updated: 09.10.2026.