Detention: In August 2023, at a gas station, Dlyaver confronted an employee wearing a cap with the Russian military aggression symbol 'Z' and demanded its removal. During the verbal conflict, Salimov made a threat perceived by Russian law enforcement as a death threat. A video of the incident was circulated on pro-Russian Telegram channels linked to Russian security forces.

Subsequently, a criminal case was initiated against Salimov under Part 2 of Article 119 of the Russian Criminal Code ('threat of murder or infliction of grievous bodily harm, motivated by political or ideological hatred'). According to lawyer Emil Kurbedinov, after his detention, security officers suggested Salimov record an apology video and publicly support Russian aggression, but he refused. He was then placed in custody. During the investigation, Salimov did not admit guilt and insisted he had no intention of committing a crime.

Sentence: On April 10, 2024, the Russia-controlled Kirovsky District Court of Crimea found Dlyaver Salimov guilty and sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months in a settlement colony. The prosecution had requested the same sentence. The court also upheld the pre-trial detention until the sentence takes legal effect.

Salimov did not admit guilt and claimed the case was politically motivated. Lawyer Emil Kurbedinov emphasized that the charges were based on the subjective perception of the victim and did not confirm the reality of the threat.

Dlyaver Salimov is a Crimean Tatar resident of Staryi Krym (Kirovsky District, AR Crimea). During the trial, it was reported that Dlyaver Salimov is the father of five children, and his family was left without their primary breadwinner following his arrest. Information about his family status was repeatedly used by the defense as an argument for a more lenient preventive measure and punishment.

The case of Dlyaver Salimov became an example of criminal prosecution of residents in occupied Crimea for expressing disagreement with Russian military symbols and support for the war against Ukraine. Human rights activists noted that the criminal prosecution began after the public dissemination of the conflict video in pro-Russian media and Salimov's refusal to record an apology video. His case is viewed as an example of restricting freedom of expression and politically motivated persecution of Crimean Tatars on the occupied peninsula.

Information used from open sources: Crimean Human Rights Group, Center for Journalistic Investigations. Krym.Realii, ZMINA, Suspilne Crimea, QIRIM.News.

Photo: Crimean Human Rights Group.

Update date: 09.07.2026.