Arrest: On March 11, 2020, Russian security forces conducted a series of mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Bakhchisarai and the Bakhchisarai district. Searches took place in the homes of Osman Seitumerov, his older brother Seitumer Seitumerov, their uncle Rustem Seitmemetov, and Amet Suleymanov. Following the search, Osman Seitumerov was detained. On March 12, 2020, the illegal 'Kyiv District Court of Simferopol' ordered his detention. Osman was accused of alleged participation in the activities of the organization 'Hizb ut-Tahrir.'

Sentence: On October 29, 2021, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Osman Seitumerov to 14 years in a strict regime colony. The first 3 years and 6 months were to be served in prison, followed by the remainder in a strict regime colony. After release, he was to be subject to one year of restricted freedom.

On February 9, 2023, the Military Court of Appeal in Vlasikha upheld the sentence.

Osman Shukriyevich Seitumerov was born on June 4, 1992, in Bakhchisarai, Crimea. His parents, along with their older son, moved to Crimea from Uzbekistan in 1989.

Osman attended Bakhchisarai School No. 2. During his school years, he was a responsible student and participated in competitions, particularly in Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages and literature.

After school, he entered the Crimean Engineering and Pedagogical University, studying urban transport operation and maintenance. His education and professional interests were related to transport and technology.

After his studies, Osman worked in Bakhchisarai. He was an employee at the ethno-cafe 'Salachik,' and after its closure, he began working as a taxi driver. He also repaired cars and assisted acquaintances in purchasing vehicles.

Osman Seitumerov was unmarried and had no children. According to family and friends, he was a communicative, attentive, and compassionate person who willingly helped others. In his free time, he participated in the life of the Crimean Tatar community and helped organize children's events in Bakhchisarai.

Following the onset of systematic persecution of Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea, Osman began supporting the families of political prisoners. He sent parcels to prisoners, attended court hearings, and assisted the families of those persecuted.

On March 11, 2020, this civic activity became one of the contexts for his persecution. Russian security forces searched his home and detained Osman along with other Crimean Tatar activists. The case became part of the so-called third Bakhchisarai group of 'Hizb ut-Tahrir.'

Russian investigators charged Osman Seitumerov under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code — 'participation in the activities of an organization recognized as terrorist,' as well as under Part 1 of Article 30 and Article 278 of the Russian Criminal Code — preparation for the violent seizure of power.

Human rights defenders emphasize that 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' is a non-violent Islamic political organization banned in Russia in 2003, while in Ukraine and most countries worldwide, it is not prohibited.

During the trial, the prosecution did not prove Osman's involvement in preparing terrorist acts. The case materials included audio recordings of religious and political discussions, which Russian investigators interpreted as evidence of criminal activity.

During his imprisonment, Osman's health problems worsened. He suffers from chronic gastritis. In September 2023, due to another gastritis attack, he received emergency medical care. In December 2024, his mother reported that he experienced periodic gastritis attacks and received treatment in the medical unit.

In 2025, the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea reported that Osman was in prison No. 2 'Vladimir Central' in the city of Vladimir.

In July 2026, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center reported a further deterioration in his health. Osman complained of chronic gastritis, astigmatism, and tooth decay.

As of September 10, 2026, the last confirmed location of Osman's detention by human rights and Ukrainian sources is prison No. 2 'Vladimir Central,' Vladimir, Russian Federation.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners, Suspilne Crimea, USCIFR, Krym.Realii.

Photo: ZMINA.

Update date: 10.09.2026.