Detention: On May 25, 2023, Russian security forces detained Arsen Memetshaiev in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. He is a Ukrainian citizen, a Crimean Tatar, and a resident of Kherson region. His brother, Ablyamed Memetshaiev, was also detained during this period. Their prosecution is part of a criminal case alleging involvement with the Crimean Tatar volunteer battalion named after Noman Çelebicihan.

The exact circumstances of Arsen's detention are not fully detailed in available human rights materials. The public became aware of the brothers' detention in early June 2023 following reports from Russian security agencies.

The Russian side accused Arsen Memetshaiev of alleged participation in the activities of the battalion named after Noman Çelebicihan. He was charged under Part 2 of Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code — participation in an armed formation on the territory of a foreign state, not provided for by the legislation of that state, with a purpose that, according to the Russian investigation, contradicted the interests of the Russian Federation.

Sentence: On September 29, 2023, the Russia-controlled Dzhankoy District Court in Crimea sentenced Arsen Memetshaiev to 5 years of imprisonment under Part 2 of Article 208 of the Russian Criminal Code.

The sentence includes serving time in a strict regime penal colony.

According to the Crimean Tatar Resource Center and ZMINA, Arsen Memetshaiev is serving his sentence in the Lipetsk region of Russia.

Arsen Aliyevich Memetshaiev was born on January 25, 1996. He is a Ukrainian citizen and a Crimean Tatar, residing in the Kherson region. Before his detention, he was engaged in agricultural work.

Arsen is one of three Memetshaiev brothers involved in criminal cases related to alleged participation in the battalion named after Noman Çelebicihan. His elder brother, Artur Memetshaiev, was detained earlier and also received a guilty verdict. In May 2023, Russian security forces detained Arsen and his brother Ablyamed.

According to the Russian investigation, Arsen and Ablyamed allegedly joined the battalion in 2017. They were accused of participating in its activities, including tasks at the administrative border with occupied Crimea. Human rights defenders emphasize that the prosecution of Ukrainian citizens for involvement in this formation is part of a broader campaign of repression against Crimean Tatars.

The Crimean Tatar Resource Center notes that the three Memetshaiev brothers were convicted by the occupying authorities in cases of alleged involvement with the battalion named after Noman Çelebicihan. Artur received 6.5 years of imprisonment, Arsen — 5 years, Ablyamed — 5 years. The CTRC highlighted that three searches were conducted, three criminal cases were initiated, and three sentences were issued against one family. Human rights organizations call these decisions illegal, politically motivated, and criminal.

As of September 7, 2026, Arsen Memetshaiev remains imprisoned and is serving the sentence imposed by the Russian occupation court. According to the latest available data from CTRC and ZMINA, he is located in the Lipetsk region of Russia.

Information used from open sources: Crimean Tatar Resource Center, ZMINA, Krym.Realii, Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

Photo: Human rights project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial”.

Update date: 07.09.2026.