Arrest: On February 14, 2023, FSB officers detained Murat Kadyrov, a resident of occupied Sevastopol. He was accused of so-called 'financing terrorism' based on a money transfer of 3,000 rubles made eight years prior to support a low-income individual from Dagestan before the Muslim holiday of Kurban Bayram.

Sentence: The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Murat Kadyrov to 10 years in prison under Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ('financing terrorism'). Appeals and cassation courts upheld the sentence.

Murat Kadyrov is a Crimean Tatar, athlete, entrepreneur, and Ukrainian citizen who became a victim of the repressive system of the Russian Federation in occupied Crimea. Before his arrest, he led a peaceful life. He graduated in Physical Education from Tavrida National University. Sports were significant to him: Murat was a professional in Greco-Roman wrestling, participated in competitions, and won awards. After his sports career, he worked as a private contractor in repair services. According to human rights activists and relatives, he was never involved with radical organizations or violent activities.

Kadyrov's persecution began when security forces used an old bank transfer as evidence of alleged criminal activity. Russian law enforcement claims the funds could be linked to individuals they consider involved in terrorist activities. After his arrest, Kadyrov was placed in pre-trial detention centre No. 1 in Simferopol, where he was held in solitary confinement. He was later transferred to pre-trial detention centre No. 2, where, according to the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, he was subjected to mistreatment. Reports indicated he was electroshocked about twenty times, leaving scars on his body. Additionally, the detention administration restricted the delivery of food and essential items. Human rights activists view these actions as physical and psychological pressure on the unlawfully detained Ukrainian citizen.

Subsequently, Kadyrov was transferred to Rostov-on-Don, where he spent about a year in a detention facility awaiting sentencing. In the fall of 2024, it was reported that he was moved to correctional colony No. 5 in the city of Koryazhma, Arkhangelsk region, Russia. According to human rights activists, he faces systematic pressure from the colony administration and security forces. Despite serious health issues, including osteochondrosis and the effects of long-term sports injuries, he is forced to work. Refusal to comply with the administration's demands risks punishment in a punitive isolation cell, known among inmates as 'the pit.'

In the colony, Kadyrov's necessary medications were confiscated. The cell where he is held is overcrowded, housing seventeen people. The political prisoner reported frequent summons to a psychologist and numerous interrogations. FSB officers openly stated that he is 'on their watch list.'

Concerns were also raised about the confiscation of Murat's Quran, although Russian authorities previously allowed him to have the sacred book. For a Crimean Tatar Muslim, this is not only a restriction of religious freedom but also an additional element of psychological pressure.

Russian repressions affected not only Murat but also his family. During the search and arrest, security forces treated his wife harshly. According to human rights activists, the couple was forced to lie on the floor, and Kadyrov's wife was effectively held under control by security forces from morning until 2 a.m. the next day. Throughout his detention, Murat was able to see his wife only once—in court. Such isolation is a severe ordeal for the entire family.

Murat Kadyrov continues to be unlawfully detained in the Russian Federation. His family hopes for a transfer closer to Crimea and his eventual return home.

Information sourced from: ZMINA, Suspilne Crimea, Ukrinform, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

Photo: Suspilne Crimea.

Last updated: 10.07.2026.