Detention: On February 7, 2024, he was detained by Russian security forces. The following day, the Russian-controlled 'Kyiv District Court' in Simferopol ordered his pre-trial detention. Russian investigators accused Derman of participating in the Noman Çelebicihan Battalion (part 2, article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code). According to the prosecution, he allegedly participated in the battalion's activities before the full-scale war began. Nariman Derman did not plead guilty. His wife reported that he suffered epileptic seizures during court sessions, but the court did not consider his health condition and kept him in custody.

Sentence: In October 2024, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don found Nariman Derman guilty and sentenced him to 3 years and 6 months in a high-security colony with 1 year of restricted freedom after release. The human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' recognized him as a political prisoner, noting that the charges are unfounded and the battalion's activities, ascribed to Derman, do not constitute a crime under international law.

Nariman Mametovich Derman (born June 1, 1967) is a Ukrainian citizen, Crimean Tatar, resident of Novooleksiivka, Henichesk district, Kherson region. He has a second-degree disability due to epilepsy.

Before his arrest, Nariman Derman lived in Novooleksiivka with his family. Due to a severe chronic illness, he was under constant medical supervision. After his detention, his wife immediately informed Russian security forces about his disability and the need for regular treatment, but these circumstances were ignored. During one of the court sessions, Nariman had an epileptic seizure in the courtroom, but the proceedings were not halted. Human rights defenders called this a violation of his right to life and medical care.

During the investigation, the Russian side claimed that Nariman Derman was allegedly a member of the Noman Çelebicihan Battalion. However, human rights defenders point out that even according to the investigation, the alleged events occurred when the battalion was no longer active. This was one of the arguments supporting the conclusion of political persecution.

During the trial, the defense repeatedly emphasized Nariman Derman's critical health condition. Due to epilepsy, he requires constant medical supervision and regular medication. Despite this, the Russian court refused to change the preventive measure, and during one session, when he had an epileptic seizure, the proceedings were not effectively stopped. Human rights defenders considered these actions a gross violation of the right to medical assistance and humane treatment of prisoners.

The human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial' recognized Nariman Derman as a political prisoner. In their conclusion, the organization notes that the criminal prosecution is based on the unlawful application of Russian law to a Ukrainian citizen residing in a temporarily occupied territory. Experts also emphasize that the charges of involvement in the Noman Çelebicihan Battalion are part of a systematic practice of persecuting Crimean Tatars and residents of the Kherson region.

Nariman Derman's case is documented by 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial', OVD-Info, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, the Human Rights Center ZMINA, the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR), and other human rights organizations. They stress that the failure to provide necessary medical care to a person with a severe chronic illness may pose a threat to their life.

As of July 9, 2026, Nariman Derman continues to serve an unlawful sentence in the Russian Federation's penal system. Human rights defenders continue to demand his release, proper medical care, and an end to politically motivated persecution of Ukrainian citizens.

Information sourced from open sources: Human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial', Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Human Rights Center ZMINA, Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR).

Photo: Suspilne News.

Update date: 09.07.2026