Detention: Ilman Khalilov is subject to politically motivated persecution by the Russian Federation, with criminal proceedings initiated against him under Part 2 of Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code ('participation in an illegal armed formation'). The Russian authorities associate him with the activities of the Crimean Tatar volunteer battalion named after Noman Çelebicihan and pursue him in absentia.

Sentence: The Russian authorities associate him with the activities of the Crimean Tatar volunteer battalion named after Noman Çelebicihan and pursue him in absentia.

Khalilov Ilman was born on September 6, 1967 – a citizen of Ukraine, Crimean Tatar.

Since 1989, he has lived in Crimea (initially in Feodosia, then in other cities due to housing issues). He worked as a laborer and performed in the folk ensemble 'Haytarma', participating in the Crimean Tatars' struggle for their rights. During one performance of 'Haytarma' after the occupation, he demonstratively tore down a Russian flag. Following this, the FSB searched his home, and he was dismissed from the ensemble.

In January 2016, Khalilov fled Crimea, participated in the blockade of the peninsula, and later joined the Right Sector Volunteer Corps, fighting in the Avdiivka area. He is pursued by the occupation 'authorities' for his involvement in the N. Çelebicihan battalion.

The Crimean Tatar Resource Center notes that Ilman Khalilov's case is part of a large-scale campaign of politically motivated persecution of Ukrainian citizens. The Russian Federation initiates in absentia criminal proceedings against individuals outside occupied Crimea, using them as a tool of political pressure.

Information used from open sources: Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Ukrayinska Pravda, Gazeta UA,

Photo: Crimean Tatar Resource Center.

Date of update: 30.07.2026.