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 Seytumerov, Amethan Umerov, Remzi Nimetulaev, and Ruslan Asanov. They were all 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: On October 21, 2026, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don issued guilty verdicts to six Crimean Tatars, members of the so-called 'Hizb ut-Tahrir case' Bakhchisaray group. The men were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 19 years in strict regime colonies. Eldar Yakubov was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Human rights organizations consider the case politically motivated.

Yakubov Eldar Eskenderovich was born on April 15, 1980. He lived in Bakhchisaray. 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, Ukrainian Independence Day, FSB officers conducted simultaneous searches in the homes of six Crimean Tatar activists in the Bakhchisaray district. Following the searches, Eldar Yakubov was detained and taken into custody. Russian investigators alleged his involvement in Hizb ut-Tahrir activities. 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 centre and later transferred to Pre-trial Detention Centre No. 1 in Rostov-on-Don. According to his family, the detention conditions are extremely harsh. He reported constant headaches, high blood pressure, deteriorating health, and severe restrictions in daily life. Prisoners are allowed to shower only a few minutes a week, and even minor regime violations result in placement in punitive isolation cells. After his mother's death, Eldar was unable to say goodbye, adding to his psychological burden.

During the trial, his family also faced pressure. His wife, Aishe 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 exerting pressure on the families of political prisoners.

The Office 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 against Hizb ut-Tahrir are systematically used to persecute Crimean Tatars, civic journalists, and activists.

On October 21, 2026, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don issued guilty verdicts to six Crimean Tatars, members of the so-called 'Hizb ut-Tahrir case' Bakhchisaray group. Ruslan Asanov received 19 years in a strict regime penal colony, with the first four years in prison, Remzi Nimetulaev received 18 years with the first four in prison, and Seydamet Mustafayev, Eldar Yakubov, Abdulmedzhit Seytumerov, and Amethan Umerov received 15 years each in a strict regime penal colony, with the first four years in prison. Human rights organizations consider the case politically motivated.

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

Photo: ZMINA.

Update date: 03.11.2026.