Detention: On August 24, 2023, Russian security forces conducted mass searches in the homes of six Crimean Tatars and detained Eldar Yakubov along with Seydamet Mustafayev, Abdulmedzhit Seitumerov, Amethan Umerov, Remzi Nimetulaev, and Ruslan Asanov. All were accused of involvement with the organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, which Russia has designated as 'terrorist,' although it operates legally in Ukraine and most countries worldwide.

Sentence: As of July 24, 2026, there is no final verdict. Eldar Yakubov remains in custody. He is charged under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code ('participation in the activities of a terrorist organization') and Part 1 of Article 30, Article 278 of the Russian Criminal Code ('preparation for violent seizure of power'). Human rights organizations consider the case politically motivated.

Eldar Eskenderovich Yakubov was born on April 15, 1980. He lived in Bakhchisarai. He is a Crimean Tatar, a civic activist, and a participant in the human rights initiative 'Crimean Solidarity.' He is married and has six children. Before his arrest, he was involved in construction and civic activities, regularly supporting the families of Crimean political prisoners and attending court hearings in politically motivated cases.

After the occupation of Crimea, Eldar Yakubov joined 'Crimean Solidarity,' a civic initiative documenting political repression, assisting the families of political prisoners, and informing the international community about human rights violations on the peninsula. Activists of this movement have been one of the main targets of Russian repression for many years.

On August 24, 2023, Ukraine's Independence Day, FSB officers conducted simultaneous searches in the homes of six Crimean Tatar activists in the Bakhchisarai district. Following the searches, Eldar Yakubov was detained and taken into custody. Russian investigators alleged his involvement in the activities of Hizb ut-Tahrir. Human rights defenders emphasize that the charges are primarily based on secret witnesses and religious discussions rather than evidence of preparation or commission of violent acts.

After his arrest, Eldar was held in the Simferopol pre-trial detention center and later transferred to Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 in Rostov-on-Don. According to his family, the conditions of detention are extremely harsh. He reported constant headaches, high blood pressure, deteriorating health, and severe restrictions on daily life. Prisoners are allowed to shower only a few minutes a week, and any minor regime violations result in placement in punitive isolation cells. After his mother's death, Eldar was unable to say goodbye to her, which was another severe psychological ordeal.

During the trial, the family also faced pressure. Eldar's wife, Ayşe Yakubova, was repeatedly subjected to administrative penalties for attempting to photograph her husband in court and was denied visits. Human rights defenders view these actions as an additional means of pressure on the families of political prisoners.

The Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the Center for Civil Liberties, and other human rights organizations emphasize that criminal cases regarding Hizb ut-Tahrir are systematically used to persecute Crimean Tatars, civic journalists, and activists.

As of July 24, 2026, Eldar Yakubov remains imprisoned in Russia. There is no information from open independent sources about a final verdict or his release.

Information used from open sources: Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Crimean Solidarity, Suspilne Crimea, Center for Civil Liberties, ZMINA.

Photo: ZMINA.

Update date: 24.07.2026.