Detention: On October 12, 2016, in occupied Crimea, Russian security forces conducted simultaneous searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in the Kamyanka and Strohonivka neighborhoods of Simferopol district. Among those detained was Aider Saledinov. Along with him, Teimur and Uzeir Abdullayev, Rustem Ismailov, and Emil Dzhemadenov were also detained. During the search of Saledinov's home, security forces seized mobile phones, a computer hard drive, and religious literature. A large family resided in the house at that time. Following the search, Saledinov was detained and taken into custody. The Russian side charged him under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code — 'participation in the activities of a terrorist organization,' referring to the religious organization 'Hizb ut-Tahrir.' Ukrainian human rights activists consider the persecution of Crimean Tatars in this case to be politically motivated.

Sentence: On June 18, 2019, the North Caucasus District Military Court of the Russian Federation sentenced Aider Saledinov to 12 years in a strict regime colony. Saledinov and other defendants did not admit guilt. On December 24, 2019, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation reduced Saledinov's sentence by six months on appeal. The final sentence is 11 years and 6 months of imprisonment.

Aider Dilyaverovich Saledinov was born on July 21, 1987, in the village of Novooleksiivka, Kherson region. In 2003, when he was 16, his family returned to Crimea and settled in the village of Strohonivka, Simferopol district.

In 2004, Saledinov graduated from Denysivka Secondary School in Simferopol district and entered the Faculty of Economics at Tavrida National University named after V. I. Vernadsky. During his student years, he excelled academically and participated in school olympiads.

After his studies, Aider worked as a builder, which was the main source of income for the family. In 2009, he married. Together with his wife Guzal Saledinov, he raised four children — three sons and a daughter.

Religion played an important role in Saledinov's life. In 2016, he made a pilgrimage to Mecca — the Hajj, one of the main religious duties of Muslims.

After returning from the pilgrimage, Saledinov, along with other Crimean Tatars, became a defendant in a Russian criminal case regarding alleged participation in 'Hizb ut-Tahrir.' According to CrimeaSOS, several Muslims returning from Mecca were accused by Russian security forces of involvement in this organization. Human rights activists emphasize that 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' is not banned in Ukraine and most countries worldwide, while Russia prosecutes its supporters under its legislation.

After his detention on October 12, 2016, Aider Saledinov was held in custody. In December 2016, the occupation court extended the preventive measure for him and other defendants until March 11, 2017.

In February 2017, Saledinov, along with Rustem Ismailov, was forcibly sent to a psychiatric hospital in Simferopol for a psychiatric examination. Ismailov's wife described these actions by the security forces as the use of punitive psychiatry.

CrimeaSOS also reported the use of torture against Saledinov after his detention. The trial in his case was held in a closed session, despite relatives' calls for an open hearing.

After the sentence was passed in June 2019, Saledinov was transferred to Russia to serve his sentence. In 2020, he was taken to Correctional Colony No. 2 in the city of Salavat, Republic of Bashkortostan.

In the colony, Aider Saledinov repeatedly faced disciplinary penalties and was placed in a punishment cell. In July 2021, he was placed in a punishment cell along with Rustem Ismailov for attempting to perform a night prayer during Kurban Bayram.

In 2025, pressure on the political prisoner increased. From September 5, 2025, he spent over a month in a punishment cell. After release from isolation on October 20, the colony administration transferred him to a strict regime barrack for one year. One of the reasons for the new penalties was performing namaz.

During his time in the punishment cell, Saledinov's chronic illnesses worsened — tonsillitis, kidney problems, and joint issues. According to his wife, necessary medications are provided by relatives. There were also reports of heating issues in the colony and harsh detention conditions.

As of September 9, 2026, Aider Saledinov continues to serve an unlawful sentence in Correctional Colony No. 2 in the city of Salavat, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia. The Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the Crimean Tatar Resource Center classify him as a Crimean political prisoner unlawfully persecuted by Russia.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, CrimeaSOS, Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrinform, Krym.Realii, Suspilne Crimea.

Photo: Suspilne Crimea.

Update date: 09.09.2026.