Detention: Ablyamed Memetshayev was detained by Russian security forces in the occupied Kherson region around May 23-25, 2023. His persecution was linked to the case of his brother, Arsen Memetshayev. Both were charged under Part 2 of Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code for alleged participation in an armed formation on foreign territory, not provided for by the legislation of that state, with objectives contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation. The Russian investigation associated the case with the Crimean Tatar volunteer battalion named after Noman Çelebicihan.

According to the Russian investigation, Ablyamed Memetshayev allegedly participated in the battalion's activities. The court decision cited evidence including social media photo reviews and testimony from anonymous witnesses who claimed to recognize Memetshayev as a battalion member and as someone who checked people and vehicles at the Chongar checkpoint.

Sentence: On October 25, 2023, the Russian-controlled Dzhankoy District Court of Crimea found Ablyamed Memetshayev guilty under Part 2 of Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code and sentenced him to 5 years of imprisonment. The first year was to be served in prison, with the remainder in a high-security penal colony.

Ablyamed Aliyevich Memetshayev was born on June 17, 1999. He is a Ukrainian citizen, a Crimean Tatar, and lived in the village of Atamany, Henichesk district, Kherson region. According to Memorial, he has a secondary vocational education, worked in agriculture, and has a young child dependent on him.

His case is part of a broader campaign of persecution against Ukrainian citizens accused by Russian security forces of alleged involvement in the Noman Çelebicihan battalion. Simultaneously with Ablyamed, his brother Arsen Memetshayev was also persecuted. Arsen was sentenced on September 29, 2023, to 5 years of imprisonment.

Human rights defenders highlight that Russian authorities applied Part 2 of Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code to Ablyamed and Arsen Memetshayev. In Ablyamed's case, the Russian court relied on social media photos and testimony from undisclosed witnesses. These materials were used to substantiate the claim of his participation in the battalion.

On October 25, 2023, the Dzhankoy District Court of Crimea issued a guilty verdict. Ablyamed Memetshayev was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment: the first year in prison, the remainder in a high-security colony. The court's decision came into effect.

As of September 7, 2026, Ablyamed Memetshayev continues to serve his sentence.

Information used from open sources: Crimean Tatar Resource Center, ZMINA, Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Krym.Realii, Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Human Rights Project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial".

Photo: Human Rights Project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial".

Update date: 07.09.2026.