Detention: On February 5, 2025, FSB officers secretly detained Tamara Chernukha, and her whereabouts were concealed from her relatives for an extended period. According to human rights defenders, she is suspected of so-called 'state treason.'

Sentence: As of July 22, 2026, there is no final sentence. Independent sources report that Tamara Chernukha continues to be unlawfully detained. Human rights organizations emphasize that her case bears all the marks of enforced disappearance and gross violations of international humanitarian law.

Tamara Chernukha was born on July 14, 1963. She lived in the village of Chornomorske in western occupied Crimea. For many years, she worked as a paramedic in an emergency medical team. Among local residents, she was known as an experienced medical professional who provided assistance to the area's inhabitants for many years.

On February 5, 2025, FSB officers secretly detained Tamara Chernukha. Her relatives were unaware of her detention and, concerned about her disappearance, filed a missing person report with the occupation police. According to the Association for the Reintegration of Crimea, during a home check, police unexpectedly received orders to cease the search. Subsequently, the family began reaching out to the occupation prosecutor's office, police, and FSB, but all responses contained the same claims that she was allegedly not in custody and no criminal case existed against her.

Only later, through Tamara Chernukha's colleagues and local residents, did the family receive unofficial information that she was in a pre-trial detention centre on charges of 'state treason.' Human rights defenders reported that some members of the occupation police unofficially confirmed this information. However, her official place of detention was not disclosed for a long time.

Human rights defenders expressed particular concern about Tamara Chernukha's health. It is known that she suffers from serious chronic illnesses and requires regular treatment. Relatives were not allowed to send her medication, food, or other necessary items. The Crimean Tatar Resource Center and the Association for the Reintegration of Crimea emphasized that detaining an elderly woman without access to medical care, family contact, or a lawyer poses a real threat to her life and may be considered cruel treatment or torture.

As of July 22, 2026, Tamara Chernukha continues to be unlawfully detained. There is no information in open independent sources about her case being transferred to court, a sentence being issued, or her release.

Information sourced from open sources: ZMINA, Suspilne Crimea, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Association for the Reintegration of Crimea, Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Krym.Realii, Project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial.'

Photo: ZMINA.

Update date: 22.07.2026.