Arrest: On February 11, 2016, in occupied Yalta and Alushta, Russian security forces conducted mass searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars. Vadym Siruk, religious figure Muslim Aliyev, human rights defender Emir-Usein Kuku, and school guard Inver Bekirov were detained that day. Later, Arsen Dzhepparov and Refat Alimov, detained on April 18, 2016, were added to the case. Vadym was charged under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code for participation in the activities of an organization recognized as terrorist by the Russian authorities, as well as under Part 1 of Article 30 and Article 278 for preparation for violent seizure of power. The charges were related to alleged participation in the activities of the organization Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Sentence: On November 12, 2019, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Vadym Siruk to 12 years in a strict regime colony with a one-year restriction of freedom. On June 25, 2020, the Military Court of Appeal in Vlasikha, Moscow Region, upheld the sentence. On May 27, 2021, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation also rejected the cassation appeal and left the sentence unchanged.

Vadym Andriyovych Siruk was born on February 20, 1989, in Crimea. His childhood and youth were spent in the village of Nyzhnohirsk, where he completed nine grades of secondary school. He then entered an agricultural college. Due to the need to support his family, he switched to distance learning and began working.

Later, Vadym moved to Yalta. He worked in trade and entrepreneurship, including the distribution of medical and household equipment.

The Crimean Tatar Resource Center also notes that he worked in the services and trade sectors in various cities of Crimea, but lived most of his life in Yalta.

In 2012, Siruk converted to Islam and began observing its religious norms. He was married and, together with his wife, raised two children.

After the occupation of Crimea, Vadym actively participated in community and religious life. He helped restore religious buildings, including a mosque in the village of Vasylivka, protected an ancient Crimean Tatar cemetery in Simeiz, participated in religious rites, and organized festive events.

He also supported the families of Crimean political prisoners: attending court hearings in cases against Crimeans, providing moral and material assistance to families. Human rights defenders link his persecution to the repressive policies of the occupying authorities against the Crimean Tatar community and religious Muslims.

After his arrest on February 11, 2016, Siruk, along with other defendants in the so-called 'Yalta Hizb ut-Tahrir case,' was held in custody for a long time. The trial lasted about three and a half years. Human rights defenders highlighted issues with the prosecution's evidence base, including the use of classified materials, hidden witnesses, and questionable expert assessments.

On November 12, 2019, the court in Rostov-on-Don issued a guilty verdict to six Crimeans. Vadym Siruk received 12 years in a strict regime colony. The international human rights organization Amnesty International recognized the defendants in the 'Yalta case' as prisoners of conscience, and 'Memorial' recognized them as political prisoners.

After the sentence came into force, Siruk was transferred to Correctional Colony No. 2 in Salavat, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia, more than 2,000 kilometers from Crimea. Upon arrival, he was placed in a punishment cell for 17 days.

In the colony, Vadym reported deteriorating health due to cold, inadequate nutrition, and lack of vitamins. He also had dental problems and needed dental care. In January 2025, it became known that the Quran in Arabic, including Siruk's copy, which had previously passed inspection, was confiscated from Muslims in the colony.

In April 2025, Russian security forces searched the home of his wife Hanna Bohachova in Crimea. Human rights defenders linked this pressure to the persecution of the political prisoner's family.

As of September 11, 2026, the last confirmed place of detention for Vadym Siruk remains Correctional Colony No. 2 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Republic of Bashkortostan in the city of Salavat.

Information used from open sources: Crimean Tatar Resource Center, ZMINA, CrimeaSOS, Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukrinform, Radio Liberty, Suspilne Crimea.

Photo: CrimeaSOS.

Last updated: 11.09.2026.