Crimean Tatars detained by the FSB accused of terrorism

In Crimea, Russian security forces detained four women on terrorism charges and threatened to take away their children. Human rights activists call it politically motivated repression against Crimean Tatars.

This was reported by Krym.Realii.

On October 15, Russian security forces conducted a series of searches in occupied Crimea and detained four Crimean women - mothers and students - on charges of having links to the banned in Russia organization Hizb ut-Tahrir. Human rights activists consider these actions to be part of a systemic pressure on Crimean Tatars, especially women.

The searches took place in Bakhchisarai and Bakhchisarai district, in the villages of Orlivka near Sevastopol and Dolynne. Among the detainees are Esma Nimetulayeva, a mother of five and wife of Remzi Nimetulayev, who is already under arrest; Nasiba Saidova, a student of the Pedagogical College and a member of the kindergarten nursery group; Elviza Aliyeva, a student of the Crimean Federal University; and Fevzie Osmanova, an employee of a local store.

According to relatives, during the searches, the security forces behaved rudely: they checked all rooms, mobile phones and personal belongings, did not allow them to say namaz and threatened to take the children away in the absence of guardians. In many cases, "evidence" - for example, banned books - is planted.

According to Crimean lawyer Emil Kurbedinov, all detainees are charged with organizing and participating in the activities of a terrorist organization (Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code), which provides for up to 20 years in prison. The FSB claims that the women allegedly participated in a "clandestine women's cell," held underground meetings and recruited new supporters.

Human rights activists emphasize that after the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the persecution of Crimean Tatars has significantly intensified. Currently, at least 34 Crimean women are in detention centers of the aggressor country.

The occupation authorities are increasingly persecuting Crimean Tatar women. Now they take away not only fathers, but also mothers. The Nimetulayevs have five children. They risk being left without parents," the CTRC noted.

The head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars, Refat Chubarov, believes that such detentions may indicate that Russia is preparing for further escalation of aggression and the desire to control the population of the occupied territories as much as possible.

Also on October 18, Russian police officers came to the home of Crimean Tatar journalist and human rights activist Lutfiye Zudiyeva to hand her a warning about alleged violations of the law. The document stated that Zudieva was warned to comply with federal laws. Human rights activists note that such warnings are often used by the occupation authorities as a means of pressure and intimidation.

Анна Бальчінос