Detention: On October 11, 2017, FSB officers conducted mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Bakhchisaray. Memet Reshatovich Belyalov, an activist of the civic association 'Crimean Solidarity', was among those detained. Along with him, Timur Ibragimov, Marlen (Suleyman) Asanov, Seyran Saliev, Ernes Ametov, and Server Zekiryaev were also detained. They were all accused of involvement with the Islamic political organization 'Hizb ut-Tahrir', which Russia considers terrorist, although it is not banned in Ukraine. Human rights organizations stated that the case is politically motivated and aimed at suppressing the civic activity of Crimean Tatars.

Sentence: On September 16, 2020, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don found Memet Belyalov guilty of allegedly organizing the activities of a terrorist organization and preparing for the violent seizure of power. He was sentenced to 18 years in a strict regime colony. The first 5 years are to be served in prison, followed by a strict regime colony. The court also imposed one year of restricted freedom after release. The appellate court upheld the sentence. Human rights advocates emphasized that the charges were based on covert recordings of religious discussions, expert conclusions, and anonymous witness testimonies, without evidence of any terrorist activity.

Memet Reshatovich Belyalov was born on January 2, 1989, in Samarkand (Uzbekistan), where his family was deported after the deportation of Crimean Tatars. In May 1991, the Belyalov family returned to Crimea and settled in Bakhchisaray.

In 1996, Memet started first grade. In 2007, after finishing school, he entered Sevastopol National Technical University to study as a radio engineer.

In 2012, he graduated and began working in a mobile phone store in Bakhchisaray.

In 2016, Memet got married, and a year later, he had a son.

In the community, Memet was known as a calm, responsible person who actively participated in helping families of political prisoners and the activities of 'Crimean Solidarity'.

After the search on October 11, 2017, Memet was taken to a pre-trial detention center. His case became part of the so-called second Bakhchisaray 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' case, one of the largest waves of persecution against Crimean Tatars after the occupation of Crimea. From the outset, the defense stated that the charges lacked evidence of preparation or commission of any violent acts, and the criminal prosecution was solely related to his religious and civic activities.

During the trial, Memet Belyalov's lawyers repeatedly pointed out the lack of evidence of his involvement in terrorist activities. As in many other Crimean 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' cases, the charges were based on covert audio recordings of religious meetings, expert opinions, and anonymous witness testimonies. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations emphasized that such practices violate the right to a fair trial and are used to persecute Crimean Tatars for their civic stance.

On September 16, 2020, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Memet Belyalov to 18 years in prison. The first 5 years are to be served in prison, followed by a strict regime colony. The court also imposed 1 year of restricted freedom after release. In 2021, the Appellate Military Court upheld the sentence.

After being transferred to Russia, Memet is held far from Crimea, significantly complicating contact with his family. Human rights advocates have repeatedly emphasized that transferring civilians from occupied territory to places of detention in the occupying state violates international humanitarian law. Despite difficult conditions, he maintains contact with his loved ones through correspondence and tries to keep his spirits up.

Before his arrest, Memet actively helped families of other political prisoners, participated in community initiatives of the Crimean Tatar community, and supported the activities of 'Crimean Solidarity'. Therefore, human rights advocates believe that his persecution is part of a broader campaign of pressure on civic activists and those who openly highlighted political repressions in occupied Crimea.

As of July 5, 2026, Memet Belyalov continues to serve an unlawful sentence imposed by a Russian court. Ukraine, international human rights organizations, and independent experts 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, Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Radio Liberty, Ukrinform, Human Rights Center 'Memorial'.

Photo: Crimean Solidarity.

Update date: 07/06/2026