Arrest: On March 27, 2019, in occupied Crimea, Russian security forces conducted large-scale searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Kamyanka, Strohonivka, and Bile in the Simferopol district. Rustem Seitkhalilov was among those detained as part of the so-called second Simferopol group in the Hizb ut-Tahrir case. After his arrest, he was placed in custody. Russian investigators charged Seitkhalilov under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code for 'participation in the activities of a terrorist organization.' Later, charges under Part 1 of Article 30 and Article 278 of the Russian Criminal Code were added, alleging preparation for the violent seizure of power.

Sentence: On March 18, 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Rustem Seitkhalilov to 14 years of imprisonment. The first 5 years were to be served in prison, followed by a term in a strict regime colony. The court also imposed 1 year of restricted freedom after release. On July 7, 2023, the Military Court of Appeal in Moscow upheld the sentence.

Rustem Narimanovich Seitkhalilov was born on January 18, 1984, in the city of Karshi, Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan. His family was deported from Crimea in 1944.

In 1990, the family returned to Crimea and settled in the village of Stovpove, Dzhankoy district. That same year, Rustem started first grade. Later, the family moved to Simferopol.

In 2001, Rustem enrolled at the Crimean Engineering and Pedagogical University in Simferopol. He graduated in 2006 with a degree in 'Vocational Education,' qualifying as an engineer-teacher.

After his studies, he worked in various fields. He self-taught furniture making and assembly, produced custom furniture, and worked in construction. He also engaged in plumbing and electrical installation. Before his arrest, he worked in these areas.

Rustem Seitkhalilov was married and had three children. Alongside his work, he actively participated in the social and religious life of the Crimean Tatar community.

He was an activist with the 'Crimean Solidarity' movement, supported families of Crimean political prisoners, attended court hearings, helped collect and deliver parcels to prisoners, and participated in organizing religious events.

On March 27, 2019, Rustem Seitkhalilov was detained following mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars. His case became part of the persecution of activists in the so-called second Simferopol group in the Hizb ut-Tahrir case.

Human rights defenders emphasize that in the cases of Crimean Tatars persecuted for alleged involvement in Hizb ut-Tahrir, it is about the criminalization of religious activities. According to case materials, the accused did not possess weapons or explosives, did not plan terrorist acts, and did not call for violent actions.

On March 18, 2022, Rustem Seitkhalilov was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.

After sentencing, he was held in the Novocherkassk pre-trial detention centre. On August 26, 2023, he was transferred to prison No. 1 in Dimitrovgrad, Ulyanovsk region.

On September 24, 2024, Seitkhalilov was moved from the facility in the Ulyanovsk region. Initially, his whereabouts were unknown. It was later revealed that the transfer passed through Kazan and other cities, with the final destination being a correctional colony in Petrozavodsk.

In January 2025, Rustem Seitkhalilov celebrated his 41st birthday in correctional colony No. 9 in Petrozavodsk. His mother was able to see him in person for the first time in six years.

During his time in the colony, his health deteriorated. He complained of chronic headaches and back problems. According to his wife, a prescribed five-day injection course did not yield the desired results.

There were also reports of restrictions on his ability to practice his religion: his Quran was confiscated, and the colony administration did not allow him to perform morning prayers.

As of September 10, 2026, the last confirmed location of Rustem Seitkhalilov is correctional colony No. 9 in Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, Russian Federation.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners, CrimeaSOS, Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Suspilne Crimea, Ukrinform.

Photo: ZMINA.

Update date: 10.09.2026.