Detention: On April 13, 2017, Russian security forces conducted a search at the home of Crimean Tatar activist Seydamet Mustafayev in Bakhchisarai. Local residents and activists gathered outside to observe the actions of the Russian security personnel. Among them was Shevket Razzakov. In May 2017, Shevket was summoned to the Russian Investigative Committee as a witness, but during questioning, he was informed that his procedural status had changed to that of a suspect in a criminal case under Article 319 of the Russian Criminal Code ('public insult of a government representative'). According to the investigation, during the events of April 13, he allegedly insulted a Russian National Guard officer by spitting in his direction and using foul language. Razzakov categorically denied the charges, and his defense emphasized that video recordings of the events did not support the investigation's version and contained no evidence of intentional insult to law enforcement.

Sentence: The trial began in late 2017 and was repeatedly postponed due to the absence of prosecution witnesses. On April 24, 2018, the Russian-controlled magistrate's court in Bakhchisarai found Shevket Razzakov guilty of publicly insulting a government representative and imposed a fine of 20,000 Russian rubles. The prosecution had requested a harsher penalty of 300 hours of community service. After the verdict was announced, Razzakov stated his intention to appeal, noting that the charges were based on false testimony and not supported by objective evidence.

Shevket Razzakov is a Crimean Tatar civic activist from the Bakhchisarai district who participated in public actions supporting compatriots facing political persecution after the occupation of Crimea. Criminal proceedings against him began following these events. Shevket Razzakov is among the Crimean Tatar activists who faced criminal prosecution after the occupation of Crimea for their involvement in civic activities and support for political prisoners. Human rights defenders viewed his case as an example of the use of Russian Federation criminal law to pressure civic activists on the peninsula. The proceedings were marked by numerous procedural delays, and lawyers repeatedly pointed out the lack of proper evidence and contradictions in the prosecution's testimonies.

Razzakov's case is part of a broader campaign of persecution against Crimean Tatar activists, which intensified after the occupation of Crimea and aimed to suppress civic activity and solidarity with political prisoners.

Information sourced from open sources: CTR Center, ATR, Krym.Realii.

Photo: ATR.

Last updated: 09.07.2026.