Arrest: On March 27, 2019, FSB officers conducted mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Simferopol and detained Crimean Tatar activist Alim Karimov. Following the search, he was arrested as part of the so-called 'second Simferopol group of the Hizb ut-Tahrir case,' accused of alleged participation in the activities of an organization Russia has designated as terrorist.

Sentence: On January 10, 2023, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Alim Karimov to 13 years of imprisonment. The first five years are to be served in prison, with the remainder in a strict regime colony. Additionally, a year and a half of restricted freedom is imposed after release.

Alim Karimov is part of a new generation of Crimean Tatar activists who, following the occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, did not remain indifferent to the issues facing their community and openly supported compatriots facing political persecution. He was born on April 8, 1994, in Simferopol, grew up in a large Crimean Tatar family, and was the youngest of four brothers. The family lived modestly, with his mother raising the children alone. Due to financial difficulties, he switched to distance learning after ninth grade to work and support his family. After finishing school, he could not continue his education due to financial constraints and immediately began working.

In his youth, Alim worked in construction and later as a driver for intercity routes. He also engaged in advertising activities. Friends and like-minded individuals described him as responsible, hardworking, and concerned about his people's issues. Despite a busy work schedule, he actively participated in the public life of the Crimean Tatar community.

In early 2018, Alim married. At the end of that year, the couple had a son, Isa. The young father was planning for the future and providing for his family. However, just a few months after the child's birth, his life drastically changed due to political persecution by the occupying authorities.

Before his arrest, Alim actively supported the families of Crimean political prisoners. He attended court hearings concerning persecuted Crimean Tatars, visited search sites, and helped collect parcels for prisoners and their relatives. He also participated in organizing children's events and charitable initiatives in Crimean Tatar communities. Such activities became a hallmark of the civic movement that united the relatives of political prisoners, activists, and human rights defenders following the onset of Russian repressions in Crimea.

Karimov's first persecution occurred in February 2017. Together with nine other Crimean Tatars, he was detained after coming to support compatriots during searches. All detainees were arrested for five days.

During the investigation and trial, Karimov's defense repeatedly reported numerous procedural violations. Lawyers filed appeals against the arrest, but all were systematically rejected. Furthermore, the court limited the defense's access to case materials, significantly narrowing the right to a proper defense.

During court sessions, Alim openly declared the political nature of his persecution. He emphasized that the case had nothing to do with combating terrorism and was a mechanism of pressure on the Crimean Tatar people. After the verdict was announced, Karimov told representatives of the Russian judicial system that such decisions made their country increasingly resemble North Korea. These words gained wide resonance among human rights defenders and Crimean activists.

After the verdict, Karimov was transferred from occupied Crimea to Russia, violating international humanitarian law. Initially, he was held in various Russian penitentiary institutions and later transferred to Krasnoyarsk Krai. In 2025, he was moved to Colony No. 6 in Omsk.

In April 2026, the political prisoner's wife, Aliye Karimova, was able to visit him in the Omsk colony. According to her, he did not express serious health complaints, but communication with the family remains a significant issue. Letters undergo lengthy censorship and are delivered with substantial delays. Despite years of imprisonment, Alim continues to maintain a moral connection with his family and remains resilient.

Information used from open sources: Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Suspilne Crimea, ZMINA, Crimean Solidarity, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Radio Liberty.

Photo: Suspilne Crimea.

Date updated: 07/11/2026.