Arrest: On March 27, 2019, Russian security forces conducted the largest searches at that time in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Simferopol and surrounding areas. Farhod Egamberdiyovich Bazarov, a civic activist and participant in the 'Crimean Solidarity' initiative, was among those detained. Along with him, more than two dozen Crimean Tatars were detained as part of the so-called 'second Simferopol Hizb ut-Tahrir case.' Russian investigators accused him of participating in the activities of the 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' organization, which Russia considers terrorist, although it is not banned in Ukraine. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations stated that the case is politically motivated and aimed at suppressing the civic activity of Crimean Tatars.

Sentence: On March 10, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Farhod Bazarov to 15 years of imprisonment. The first 4 years and 10 months are to be served in prison, with the remainder in a strict regime colony. Additionally, the court imposed one year of restricted freedom after release. Human rights defenders emphasized that the charges were based on covert audio recordings of religious conversations, anonymous testimonies, and expert conclusions, with no evidence of preparation or commission of violent acts presented.

Farhod Egamberdiyovich Bazarov was born on August 22, 1986, in the city of Shahrisabz, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbek SSR, in a family where his father worked as a director of a construction organization and his mother as an accountant in the city's construction and assembly management.

In 1992, Farhod moved to Crimea with his family, except for his father, who remained in Uzbekistan.

In 1993, he enrolled in school No. 33 in Simferopol. After graduating in 2003, due to the absence of his father, he immediately started working as a construction worker.

In 2008, he married Yanukova Fatima. He has four minor children.

He also cared for his mother, who underwent heart surgery in 2008 and requires care, attention, and constant medical examination.

Before his arrest, Farhod was engaged in finishing construction work.

After the occupation of Crimea, he joined the 'Crimean Solidarity' civic initiative. Farhod assisted the families of political prisoners, delivered parcels to pre-trial detention centers, attended politically motivated court hearings, and supported those already imprisoned. Human rights defenders believe that this activity made him a target for Russian security forces.

On March 27, 2019, FSB officers came to Farhod Bazarov's house with a search warrant. After the investigative actions, he was detained and sent to a pre-trial detention center. Russian investigators claimed he was allegedly a participant in the 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' organization. As in dozens of other Crimean cases, the main 'evidence' consisted of covert recordings of religious conversations, linguistic expert conclusions, and anonymous witness testimonies. No evidence of preparation or commission of violent acts was presented to the court.

During the trial, Farhod did not plead guilty. The defense repeatedly pointed out numerous procedural violations and the lack of real evidence of involvement in any terrorist activities. Ukrainian human rights organizations emphasized that mere participation in religious discussions cannot be grounds for criminal prosecution, and the case is politically motivated.

On March 10, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Farhod to 15 years of imprisonment. The first 4 years and 10 months are to be served in prison, followed by time in a strict regime colony. The court also imposed one year of restricted freedom after release. Subsequently, the appellate instance left the sentence largely unchanged.

After being transferred to Russia, Farhod serves his sentence far from his family. For his wife and four children, this means thousands of kilometers of travel, significant expenses, and rare opportunities for visits. Human rights defenders have repeatedly emphasized that transferring civilians from occupied territory to places of imprisonment in Russia violates international humanitarian law.

Despite imprisonment, Farhod maintains contact with his family through correspondence. Family, friends, and 'Crimean Solidarity' participants regularly share information about his case and participate in campaigns supporting Crimean political prisoners. Human rights defenders stress that Farhod Bazarov's story is one of many cases where the civic activity of Crimean Tatars has led to political persecution.

As of July 5, 2026, Farhod Bazarov continues to serve his sentence unlawfully. Ukrainian state institutions and human rights organizations include him in lists of Ukrainian citizens unlawfully imprisoned by Russia for political reasons and continue to demand his release.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, Crimean Solidarity, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, CrimeaSOS, Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners, Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Radio Liberty, Ukrinform.

Photo: Crimean Solidarity.

Date updated: 05.07.2026.