Detention: On February 17, 2021, FSB officers conducted mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in the Bilohirsk, Bakhchysarai, Simferopol districts, and Sevastopol. After the search, Azamat Eyupov was detained along with other Crimean Tatar activists. He was charged under Part 1 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code ('Organization of the activities of a terrorist organization') due to alleged involvement with the Islamic political organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, which is banned in Russia but not in Ukraine or most countries worldwide. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations emphasize that the case lacks evidence of preparation or commission of terrorist acts and is politically motivated.

Sentence: On July 12, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don found Azamat Eyupov guilty and sentenced him to 17 years in a strict regime colony, with the first 3 years to be served in prison. The Military Court of Appeal upheld the sentence. The human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial', Crimean Solidarity, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, and other human rights organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner. There is particular concern about his health: after his arrest, he suffered several ischemic strokes, suffers from severe arterial hypertension, and requires constant medical supervision.

Azamat Eyupov was born on February 12, 1963 — a citizen of Ukraine, a Crimean Tatar, resident of Bilohirsk (Karasubazar), Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Before his detention, Azamat Eyupov was not involved in political activities and was known in the local community as a peaceful Muslim and family man. The defense repeatedly emphasized that the charges are mainly based on covert audio recordings of religious meetings, linguistic expert conclusions, and anonymous witness testimonies, without any evidence of preparation for violent actions.

During the trial, Azamat Eyupov's lawyers repeatedly reported violations of the right to a fair trial. The defense pointed out that the case materials do not contain evidence of participation in terrorist activities, calls for violence, or preparation of any crimes. Despite this, the Russian court found him guilty solely based on participation in religious meetings, expert conclusions, and testimonies of secret witnesses. Human rights defenders view this case as an example of systemic persecution of Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea.

After being transferred to the Russian Federation, Azamat Eyupov's health significantly deteriorated. According to Crimean Solidarity, he suffered several ischemic strokes, suffers from severe arterial hypertension, and periodically requires hospitalization. His family and lawyers have repeatedly reported inadequate medical care, and human rights defenders emphasize that the lack of timely treatment poses a real threat to his life. Additionally, being held far from Crimea significantly limits his ability to maintain contact with his family.

Azamat Eyupov's case is documented by Crimean Solidarity, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, the Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the Human Rights Center ZMINA, the Crimean Human Rights Group, and the human rights project 'Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial'. All these organizations recognize him as a political prisoner and demand his release.

As of July 10, 2026, Azamat Eyupov continues to serve an unlawful sentence in a facility of the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Russian Federation. Human rights organizations continue to demand that he be provided with adequate medical care and unconditional release.

Information used from open sources: Crimean Solidarity, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, the Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the Human Rights Center ZMINA, the Crimean Human Rights Group, Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial.

Photo: Crimean Platform.

Date of update: 10.07.2026