Detention: On October 12, 2016, Russian security forces conducted mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in the Simferopol district and detained Emil Dzhemadenov along with Teimur Abdullaev, Uzeir Abdullaev, Rustem Ismailov, and Aider Saledinov. During the search, his phone, a Quran translation, and religious literature were seized, and his lawyer was denied access to the investigative proceedings for an extended period. Russian authorities accused him of participating in the activities of the Islamic political organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, which Russia has designated as terrorist, although it is not banned in Ukraine and most countries worldwide.

Sentence: On June 18, 2019, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Emil Dzhemadenov to 12 years in a high-security penal colony for involvement in a 'terrorist organization.' On December 24, 2019, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation reduced the sentence by six months, setting the final term at 11 years and 6 months. Dzhemadenov was later transferred to Correctional Colony No. 16 in Salavat city (Republic of Bashkortostan, RF), where he remains. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner, emphasizing that the case is part of systemic repression against Crimean Tatars in the occupied peninsula.

Emil Enverovich Dzhemadenov was born on August 19, 1980, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

He began his schooling in his hometown but completed it in Simferopol, Crimea, where his family returned from exile.

After school, Emil pursued education abroad. He enrolled in a Turkish university's Hotel Management faculty. Upon returning to Crimea, he continued his education at the Tavrida Ecological Institute in Political Science, later completing a master's degree in the same field.

In 2009, Emil married. He has three wonderful children. Emil is a caring son, husband, and father. He is devout, honest, just, kind-hearted, and always ready to help those in need.

Human rights defenders note that Dzhemadenov's prosecution was primarily based on his religious affiliation and allegations of involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir, without evidence of planning or committing violent crimes.

During his imprisonment, Emil Dzhemadenov's health has significantly deteriorated. He suffers from chronic stomach ulcers, tonsillitis, mitral valve prolapse, and in 2025, doctors diagnosed an inguinal hernia. Additionally, he complains of tooth decay due to inadequate nutrition, vision problems, and constant stomach pain. His family and human rights advocates have repeatedly reported the lack of proper medical care in the colony.

During the trial, the prosecution relied heavily on linguistic and religious studies, covert audio recordings, and testimonies from anonymous witnesses. The defense repeatedly emphasized the absence of evidence for any violent actions or incitement by Emil Dzhemadenov. Ukrainian and international human rights advocates view the case as an example of using Russian anti-terrorism laws to persecute Crimean Tatars for their religious beliefs and civic stance.

Particular concern is raised about the political prisoner's health. According to his family, Emil Dzhemadenov suffers from chronic gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases, has an inguinal hernia and dental issues, yet does not receive necessary treatment. Human rights defenders have repeatedly warned that prolonged denial of medical care could lead to irreversible health consequences.

Emil Dzhemadenov's case is documented by the Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Crimean Solidarity, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, the ZMINA Human Rights Center, the Crimean Human Rights Group, the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR), and other Ukrainian and international human rights organizations. They all recognize him as a political prisoner and demand his release.

As of July 9, 2026, Emil Dzhemadenov continues to serve his sentence unlawfully in Correctional Colony No. 16 in Salavat city (Republic of Bashkortostan, RF). Human rights advocates continue to demand his release, adequate medical care, and an end to the persecution of Crimean Tatars for political and religious reasons.

Information used from open sources: Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Suspilne Crimea, Crimean Solidarity, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, ZMINA Human Rights Center, Crimean Human Rights Group, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR).

Photo: Suspilne News.

Update date: 09.07.2026