Detention: On July 7, 2020, FSB officers conducted mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Simferopol and surrounding areas of occupied Crimea. Vadim Zaidinovich Bektemirov was among those detained. Along with him, Zekirya Muratov, Seyran Saliev, and other figures in the so-called 'Crimean Muslims' case were also detained. Russian investigators accused Bektemirov of participating in the activities of the organization 'Hizb ut-Tahrir', which is recognized as terrorist in Russia, although its activities are not banned in Ukraine. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations stated that the case is politically motivated and is another example of persecution of Crimean Tatars for their religious beliefs and civic stance.

Sentence: On February 11, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don found Vadim Bektemirov guilty and sentenced him to 11 years of imprisonment. The first 3 years of the sentence are to be served in prison, with the remainder in a strict regime colony. The court also imposed one year of restriction of freedom after release. On April 3, 2023, the Military Court of Appeal upheld the sentence. Human rights defenders emphasized that the charges were based on religious discussions, expert opinions, and testimonies of secret witnesses, without evidence of preparation or commission of violent crimes.

Vadim Zaidinovich Bektemirov was born on July 7, 1981, in Uzbekistan, in the city of Kurgantepa, Kurgantepa district, Andijan region, in the family of a carpenter.

In 1990, the Bektemirov family returned to Crimea. They lived in the village of Stefanivka, Dzhankoy district. Due to the lack of opportunity to receive a full education locally, Vadim completed his studies at the Prostornen School, grades 1-3.

Simultaneously, he attended the May District Lyceum for driver training programs for categories 'B' and 'C'. During this time, he developed an interest in studying religion.

In 1998, he entered the madrasa in the village of Azovske, Dzhankoy district. After graduation, he worked as an imam in the village of Chervonohvardiyske.

In December 2000, he continued his studies. He went to study at Al-Jinan University in Tripoli, Lebanon. After graduation, he received a master's degree in Islamic Studies.

Upon returning home, since 2006, he worked as a translator in various agencies. In 2013, he married Ashirova Lemara Suleymanovna. The family has three children, daughters Aisha and Asiya, and a son, Ahmad.

After the occupation of Crimea, Vadim actively supported the families of political prisoners. He conducted Muslim prayers (dua) in their support, organized deliveries for arrested Crimean Tatars, attended politically motivated court processes, and assisted the community as a specialist in Arabic and Islamic studies. Human rights defenders consider this activity the real reason for his persecution, not the charges brought by Russian security forces.

After the search on July 7, 2020, Vadim Bektemirov was detained and placed in a pre-trial detention center. His case was handled according to the usual scheme for Crimean political prisoners: the charges were based on covert audio recordings of religious conversations, linguistic and religious studies expert conclusions, and testimonies of secret witnesses. The defense repeatedly emphasized that no evidence of preparation or commission of violent acts was provided by the investigation, and all charges related solely to peaceful religious activities.

On February 11, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Vadim Bektemirov to 11 years of imprisonment. The first 3 years are to be served in prison, followed by a strict regime colony. The court also imposed one year of restriction of freedom after release. On April 3, 2023, the Military Court of Appeal upheld the sentence. Ukrainian human rights organizations stated that this decision is another example of the use of Russian anti-terrorism legislation for political repression in occupied Crimea.

After being transferred to Russia, Vadim serves his sentence far from home. His wife and three children can only see him rarely due to the significant distance and travel difficulties. Human rights defenders emphasize that the transfer of civilians from occupied territory to places of imprisonment in Russia violates international humanitarian law.

In December 2024, his family reported that Bektemirov suffers from constant hypertensive crises in the Russian colony. His blood pressure fluctuates significantly, and his vision has deteriorated due to harsh detention conditions.

Despite imprisonment, Vadim maintains contact with his family through correspondence. According to his relatives, he tries to keep his spirits up, supports other Ukrainian political prisoners, and does not lose hope for release. His case is regularly mentioned in reports by Ukrainian human rights organizations documenting the persecution of Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea.

As of July 5, 2026, Vadim Bektemirov continues to serve his sentence unlawfully. Ukraine and international human rights organizations consider him a political prisoner and continue to demand his release.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, CrimeaSOS, Crimean Solidarity, Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners, Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, Radio Liberty, Ukrinform.

Photo: Suspilne Crimea.

Date of update: 06.07.2026