Detention: On January 23, 2015, security forces conducted a search at Rustem Vaitov's home, resulting in his unlawful detention as part of the so-called first Bakhchisaray case of Hizb ut-Tahrir. Along with him, Enver Mamoutov, Remzi Memetov, and Zevri Abseitov were detained. Human rights defenders emphasize that the case is politically motivated and part of systemic persecution of Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea.

Sentence: On September 7, 2016, Rustem Vaitov was sentenced to 5 years in a general regime colony without evidence of guilt. He is serving his sentence in Kurgan, far from his family and daughter, who needs her father more than anyone else. After serving his full term, Rustem Vaitov was released on February 11, 2025.

Vaitov Rustem Enverovich was born on July 27, 1986, in the village of Selyanivka, Pervomaisky district, Republic of Crimea.
In 2003, he graduated from Selyanivka Secondary School. During his senior years, he traveled to the district center to learn to drive and obtained a driver's license for categories A, B, and C.

In 2003, the Vaitov family moved to Simferopol. That year, he started working at the company 'Termodim' as an installer of metal-plastic windows. Rustem enjoyed the work, which allowed him to become more familiar with the construction profession. Later, he decided to enroll in the National Academy of Environmental and Resort Construction to study civil engineering. During his studies, he worked at the 'Vinta' enterprise as the head of the production and technical department, and later as the director of the Yevpatoria branch of 'Vinta'.

In 2008, Rustem moved to Sevastopol and began working as a sales manager at the 'Door Gallery' store. During this time, he mastered the technology of manufacturing and installing various types of doors.

In 2010, Rustem Vaitov graduated from university and began working in his field. While living in Sevastopol, Rustem frequently visited the city mosque to perform obligatory worship rituals. He also actively participated in the mosque's renovation. Noticing Rustem's piety and moral qualities, the imam offered him the role of assistant to oversee the progress and discipline of children living and studying at the mosque. Thus, Rustem began helping in the children's education process, instilling in them love for all people regardless of religious or national affiliation, and teaching them justice and honesty.
In December 2014, Rustem married, but he was detained in January.

On January 23, 2015, security forces conducted a search at Rustem Vaitov's home, resulting in his unlawful detention. A year later, his daughter was born, but he could not see the newborn. After birth, the child was diagnosed with a nervous system development pathology, requiring disability status. The girl needs close attention and many expensive procedures. After Rustem's arrest, the entire burden fell on his wife's shoulders.

The trial lasted over two years in Rostov-on-Don. The defense repeatedly pointed out the lack of evidence of terrorist activity, the use of anonymous witnesses, and violations of the right to a fair trial. Despite this, on December 24, 2018, the court found Rustem Vaitov guilty and sentenced him to 8 years and 6 months of imprisonment. The appellate court only slightly reduced the sentence.

Rustem Vaitov served his sentence in a high-security penal colony in the Russian Federation. The family reported harsh conditions, the significant distance of the colony from Crimea, and difficulties with visits. Ukrainian and international human rights organizations repeatedly demanded his release, recognizing him as a political prisoner.

On September 7, 2016, Rustem Vaitov was sentenced to 5 years in a general regime colony without evidence of guilt. He is serving his sentence in Kurgan, far from his family and daughter, who needs her father more than anyone else.

The Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea emphasized that his release is not a restoration of justice, as he spent over eight years in unlawful detention on fabricated charges. His case remains a symbol of the persecution of Crimean Tatars on the occupied peninsula.

In 2020, Rustem Vaitov, along with Crimean Tatar Nuri Primov, was released after serving a full 5-year term and returned to temporarily occupied Crimea under administrative supervision for the next 8 years.

Human rights organizations continue to view his case as an example of politically motivated persecution of Crimean Tatars by the Russian Federation.

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

Photo: Krym.Realii.

Date of update: 26.07.2026.