Arrest: On May 21, 2018, in occupied Crimea, Russian security forces searched Edem Smailov's home in the village of Dolynne, Bakhchisaray district. Following the search, he was detained and arrested. On the same day, Server Mustafayev, coordinator of 'Crimean Solidarity,' was also detained. Both became figures in the so-called 'second Bakhchisaray group' in the 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' case. Edem Smailov was charged under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code for alleged participation in the activities of an organization recognized as terrorist by Russian authorities. He was also accused under Part 1 of Article 30 and Article 278 of the Russian Criminal Code for alleged preparation for violent seizure or retention of power. Human rights defenders consider the persecution politically and religiously motivated.

Sentence: On September 16, 2020, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Edem Smailov to 13 years in a strict regime colony, followed by one year of restricted freedom. On March 14, 2022, the Military Court of Appeal in Vlasikha upheld Edem Smailov's sentence without significant changes. The defense's appeals were denied.

Edem Nazimovich Smailov was born on May 22, 1968, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He is a Crimean Tatar. In his childhood, the family lived in Uchkuduk, where Edem completed school.

In 1985, he entered the Moscow Mining Institute, graduating in 1992. He also served in the military for two years. In 1992, after Ukraine regained independence, the Smailov family returned to Crimea. Initially, they settled in the village of Sofiyivka, Simferopol district. Later, Edem moved to the village of Dolynne, Bakhchisaray district, where he lived until his arrest.

In 1998, Edem Smailov married. Together with his wife Lilia, he raised three daughters.

Before his arrest, he was engaged in construction and finishing work. He had an engineering and technical education and was actively involved in the community. Smailov was the head of the 'Topchikoy' religious community, organized religious holidays, and participated in public events.

After the occupation of Crimea, Edem Smailov became involved in public activities and supported the families of Crimean political prisoners. According to human rights defenders, he helped people in difficult life situations.

On May 21, 2018, after a search of his home, Smailov was detained. At the time, his three daughters were in the house. After his arrest, he spent about three years in a pre-trial detention center until the sentence was passed.

The Russian investigation linked his case to the activities of 'Hizb ut-Tahrir.' Meanwhile, human rights organizations emphasize that in Ukraine, this organization is not banned, and the criminal prosecution of Crimean Muslims for alleged participation is used by Russian authorities as a tool of political and religious repression.

On September 16, 2020, Smailov received a 13-year prison sentence. After the sentence became final, he was transferred to the Kostroma region of Russia.

In 2024, in colony No. 7 in the Kostroma region, his detention regime was intensified. From February, he was held under strict conditions with periodic placements in a punishment cell and a cell-type room. Reasons for disciplinary actions included, among others, night trips to the toilet, washing, and performing prayers, as well as a towel hung on the bed. Human rights defenders considered these punishments unfounded.

In December 2024, Smailov was transferred from colony No. 7 to colony No. 1 in Kostroma. Upon arrival, he was placed in a cell-type room. On January 17, 2025, his wife was able to see him via video conference during a court hearing on disciplinary actions.

In the colony, Smailov's health deteriorated. He has dental problems, vision issues, and tinnitus, and reported kidney health problems. According to his wife, in 2025, he was not provided with necessary dental care for over a year. He mentioned having to extract some teeth himself due to their condition.

As of September 11, 2026, Edem Smailov continues to serve his unlawful sentence in colony No. 1 in Kostroma, Russian Federation. This is the last confirmed location of his detention in available human rights sources.

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

Photo: ZMINA.

Update date: 11.09.2026.