Detention: On March 11, 2020, Russian security forces searched Amet Suleymanov's home in Bakhchisarai and detained him. He became a figure in the so-called third Bakhchisarai group in the Hizb ut-Tahrir case. Russian authorities charged Suleymanov under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code for participation in the activities of an organization recognized as terrorist in Russia, and under Part 1 of Article 30 and Article 278 of the Russian Criminal Code for alleged preparation for violent seizure of power.

On March 12, 2020, the Russian-controlled Kyiv District Court of Simferopol placed him under house arrest due to a severe heart condition. This was the first instance in Hizb ut-Tahrir criminal cases in occupied Crimea where house arrest was chosen over detention.

Sentence: On October 29, 2021, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Amet Suleymanov to 12 years in prison. According to the sentence, he was to spend the first 3 years and 6 months in prison, followed by serving the remainder in a strict regime colony. Additionally, 1 year of restricted freedom was imposed.

On February 9, 2023, the Military Appeals Court in Vlasikha upheld the sentence. On April 5, 2023, after the sentence came into force, Suleymanov was taken from house arrest and placed in custody to serve his sentence.

Amet Refatovych Suleymanov was born on October 25, 1984, in Uzbekistan. His family belonged to the Crimean Tatars deported from Crimea. In 1991, the family returned to their homeland and settled in the village of Kholmovka, Bakhchisarai district.

After school, Amet enrolled in a madrasa in Simferopol. He excelled in his studies and had the opportunity to continue his education in Turkey, but due to a serious heart condition, he had to decline the trip. Later, he studied at a construction college in Bakhchisarai and became a carpenter. He worked in his profession and as a sales manager.

Amet is married to Lilia Lumanova. The couple has four sons: Ibrahim, Muhammad, Mansur, and Seit-Osman. The youngest child was born a few weeks after Amet's search and detention in March 2020.

After the occupation of Crimea, Amet Suleymanov actively helped persecuted Crimean Tatars and their families. He delivered food to pre-trial detention centres, assisted families with household matters, and accompanied relatives of political prisoners. He later became a citizen journalist.

Suleymanov documented searches, detentions, and court hearings in Crimean Tatar cases, conducted live broadcasts, and filmed videos. For his citizen journalism activities, he was repeatedly detained. In 2017 and 2019, he faced administrative persecution; in one case, the court imposed a fine, which was reduced after an appeal.

Amet suffers from severe cardiovascular diseases, including arterial and mitral insufficiency. He was recommended for heart valve replacement surgery. Previously, he had a disability, but it was removed in 2015 after he refused surgery in Moscow, planning to undergo treatment in Kyiv under his doctor's supervision.

Due to his health condition, Suleymanov remained under house arrest throughout the trial. Court sessions were mostly conducted via videoconference. Despite medical documents and defense petitions, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison on October 29, 2021. Human rights organizations called the persecution politically motivated and emphasized that Hizb ut-Tahrir is not banned as a terrorist organization in Ukraine.

After the sentence came into force on April 5, 2023, Amet was placed in pre-trial detention centre No. 2 in Simferopol. According to human rights defenders, he was repeatedly denied proper rest due to his poor health, and there were issues with the delivery of necessary medications.

At the end of August 2023, Suleymanov was transferred from Crimea to Russia. On September 27, 2023, he arrived at prison No. 2 in Vladimir, known as the 'Vladimir Central.' For a long time, his family did not know his whereabouts.

In 2024–2026, Amet's health continued to deteriorate. He experienced high blood pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart problems, and issues with vision and teeth. According to examinations, he may need replacement of two heart valves. There were repeated problems with receiving medications sent by his wife.

In July 2024, the Vladimir Regional Court of the Russian Federation refused to release Suleymanov from imprisonment despite his severe health condition. At the end of 2024, he was also removed from the queue for heart valve replacement surgery and placed on a waiting list.

On July 21, 2026, Amet met with his wife Lilia, father, younger brother, and two sons at the 'Vladimir Central.' This was the first meeting with his youngest son in three years. According to his wife, Amet continues to have problems with blood pressure, shortness of breath, and heart issues, and requires dental care.

As of September 11, 2026, Amet Suleymanov remains unlawfully imprisoned in prison No. 2 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Vladimir region, known as the 'Vladimir Central.'

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, CrimeaSOS, Suspilne Crimea.

Photo: Crimean Tatar Resource Center.

Update date: 11.09.2026.