In Crimea, the occupiers fined the Muslim community for extremism

A court of the occupation authorities in Crimea has fined a Muslim community for allegedly distributing extremist materials. The defense of the community claims numerous violations during searches in the mosque in Old Crimea.

This was reported by the press service of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center.

The so-called Supreme Court of Crimea upheld the fine of 400 thousand rubles imposed on the independent Muslim community "Eski Qırım" for allegedly distributing extremist materials.

According to lawyer Nazim Sheikhmambetov, the community's defense drew attention to serious violations during searches at the Zubeir-Jami mosque in Staryi Krym. In particular, according to the human rights activist, banned books were found under the door of the minbar niche, but the security forces did not even check what was inside.

The community defense also drew attention to serious violations during searches in the mosque. Security forces entered the mosque without witnesses, first de-energized the building, and then entered the prayer hall. Only then did they call witnesses and allegedly find banned literature.

In February 2024, security forces visited the community's imam, Izet Sayfullin, and the head, Idris Yurdamov, and charged Sayfullin with violating the rules of missionary activity, after which he was released. In June 2025, Yurdamov was notified of an administrative report.

This is the second penalty for the community within a year. In March 2024, Eski Qırım was fined 100 thousand rubles for storing the book "The System of Islam" by Taqiuddin al-Nabhani, allegedly for its further distribution. Saifullin was charged with "violation of the rules of missionary activity".

Defense lawyers and religious leaders emphasize that the community is legal and not associated with extremist activities, but its members regularly face pressure from law enforcement agencies.

In April, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution that creates the possibility of obtaining compensation for the damage caused by Russia since the occupation of Crimea in 2014. The document emphasizes the need to take into account the damage caused by the aggressor's actions, including violations of the rights of the peninsula's residents.

Анна Бальчінос