Detention: On October 12, 2016, Russian security forces conducted mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in the Kamyanka and Strohonivka neighborhoods of the Simferopol district. During the search of Rustem Ismailov's house, FSB officers broke down the door and used physical force against him. He was detained on charges of alleged involvement in the activities of the organization Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Sentence: On June 18, 2019, the North Caucasus District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Rustem Ismailov to 14 years in a strict regime colony. On December 24, 2019, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation reduced the sentence by six months to 13 years and 6 months of imprisonment.

Rustem Yakubovich Ismailov is one of the Crimean Tatar political prisoners persecuted by Russian authorities after the occupation of Crimea. His case became part of a large-scale campaign of repression against Crimean Tatars, Muslim communities, and civic activists on the peninsula.

Rustem Ismailov was born on September 3, 1984, in the city of Navoi, Uzbekistan, where his family was deported in 1944. After the mass return of Crimean Tatars to their homeland began, the family moved to Crimea. The future political prisoner grew up on the peninsula, graduated from the Crimean Institute of Business with a degree in International Economics, and worked as a sales consultant, builder, furniture assembler, and translator.

In April 2008, Rustem married. Together with his wife Fatma, they raised three children—a daughter and two sons. The family lived in the village of Kamyanka near Simferopol. Relatives describe him as a responsible, friendly person, a caring father and husband. Family values, religious beliefs, and helping others played a significant role in Rustem's life.

On the morning of October 12, 2016, Russian security forces broke into the Ismailov home. According to family testimony, the door was broken down, Rustem was hit and handcuffed in front of his wife and children. During the search, the entire house was turned upside down, and equipment and money belonging to Rustem's brother were seized. The occupiers showed particular interest in the fact that Ismailov had previously made a pilgrimage to Mecca. After the search, he was taken for interrogation and arrested.

Along with Rustem, other Crimean Tatars were detained as part of the so-called 'Simferopol group Hizb ut-Tahrir case.' All were accused of involvement in the organization's activities, with no evidence of actual preparation for any violent actions or terrorist acts presented.

While under investigation, Rustem reported mistreatment. In December 2016, he stated that he was beaten and threatened in the FSB building in Simferopol. Forced psychiatric examination became an additional tool of pressure. In February 2017, Rustem Ismailov and another defendant, Ayder Saledinov, were sent to a psychiatric facility. Human rights activists compared these methods to punitive psychiatry practices used during the Soviet era against political opponents.

At the end of 2017, part of the ceiling collapsed in the pre-trial detention centre cell in Simferopol where Rustem was held. He sustained physical injuries from falling concrete debris. The incident once again highlighted the inadequate conditions of detention in the occupied Crimea's detention facilities.

After being transferred to Russia, Ismailov was held in institutions in Bashkortostan. He repeatedly faced disciplinary actions from the colony administration. In 2021, it became known that he was placed in a punishment cell, where he spent 36 days.

Despite years of imprisonment, Rustem's family continues to draw attention to his case. His wife Fatma and other relatives regularly speak about the difficulties faced by the families of Crimean political prisoners. For Rustem's children, their father's arrest has been a severe trial, as they are effectively growing up without his support and involvement in everyday life.

Information used from open sources: Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, CrimeaSOS, Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, ZMINA.

Photo: ZMINA.

Date updated: 10.07.2026.