Detention: On March 27, 2022, following the start of the full-scale invasion, Rustem, along with his wife and six-year-old daughter, attempted to travel to relatives in Bakhchisaray. At a Russian checkpoint in Chongar, he was detained by FSB officers. After several days of detention, he was arrested and charged with participating in the Noman Çelebicihan Volunteer Battalion, which Russia deemed an illegal armed group. According to the investigation, he allegedly supplied the battalion with food, equipment, and materials, and participated in the public blockade of Crimea. Human rights defenders consider these charges politically motivated.

Sentence: On October 26, 2022, the Russian-controlled 'Supreme Court of the Republic of Crimea' sentenced Rustem Gugurik to 8 years and 6 months in a strict regime colony. He was later transferred to Correctional Colony No. 8 in Ulan-Ude (Republic of Buryatia, RF). Ukrainian state bodies and human rights organizations recognize him as a Crimean political prisoner and emphasize that the case is part of a systematic campaign of persecution against Crimean Tatars and residents of occupied territories for their pro-Ukrainian stance.

Rustem Seydalievich Gugurik (born November 30, 1971) is a Crimean Tatar, a Ukrainian citizen, and a resident of Novooleksiivka, Kherson region. Before his detention, he worked as a taxi driver, helping people travel between mainland Ukraine and occupied Crimea. In 2016, he and his brother Bekir Gugurik were banned by Russian authorities from entering occupied Crimea.

Rustem Gugurik has lived in southern Ukraine all his life and was involved in private transportation. After the occupation of Crimea, he remained a Ukrainian citizen and refused to obtain a Russian passport. According to his wife Viktoria, after his detention, he was subjected to severe psychological pressure, and the family was unaware of his whereabouts for a long time. Human rights defenders emphasize that Rustem's case is one of many instances of criminal prosecution of Crimean Tatars accused of involvement with the Noman Çelebicihan Battalion.

During his time in the Russian colony, Rustem's health has significantly deteriorated. He suffers from hypertension, severe shortness of breath, dental issues, and ear diseases. Due to the lack of proper medical care, he has almost completely lost hearing in one ear, with the other also at risk. The prisoner's wife reports that the colony administration does not provide necessary treatment, conceals medical examination results, and regularly creates additional psychological pressure.

During the trial, the Russian side claimed that Rustem Gugurik allegedly supported the activities of the Noman Çelebicihan Battalion and facilitated its functioning. Meanwhile, Ukrainian human rights defenders emphasize that the charges lacked convincing evidence of his involvement in any combat or violent actions. They believe the case is based on politically motivated persecution and is part of Russia's systematic campaign against Crimean Tatars and Ukrainian citizens who supported the civil blockade of Crimea or maintained a pro-Ukrainian stance.

Particular concern is raised about Rustem Gugurik's health condition. According to the Crimean Tatar Resource Center and his family, he does not receive adequate medical care in the colony. Due to prolonged neglect of his hearing issues, he has practically lost hearing in one ear, with the other also at risk. Additionally, he suffers from hypertension, dental diseases, and constant psychological pressure. Human rights defenders have repeatedly called on international organizations to pay attention to his detention conditions.

Rustem Gugurik's case is documented by the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, the Human Rights Center ZMINA, the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIPL), and other Ukrainian human rights organizations. They view his persecution as a violation of international humanitarian law and one of many cases of repression against Crimean Tatars.

As of July 9, 2026, Rustem Gugurik continues to serve an unlawful sentence in Correctional Colony No. 8 in Ulan-Ude (Republic of Buryatia, RF). Human rights defenders continue to campaign for his release and emphasize the urgent need for qualified medical assistance.

Information used from open sources: Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Human Rights Center ZMINA, Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIPL), Center for Journalistic Investigations.

Photo: Crimean Tatar Resource Center.

Updated: 09.07.2026.