Since the annexation of Crimea, Russia has charged 126 people in the 'Crimean Muslims case'

Since the beginning of the Russian occupation of Crimea, 126 people have already become involved in the so-called "cases of Crimean Muslims" - they are accused of involvement in the organization Hizb ut-Tahrir.

This was reported by the Crimean Tatar Resource Center.

Of these, 118 people are behind bars or under house arrest: 82 are held in Russian colonies and prisons, 31 in pre-trial detention centers, and two more under house arrest. Two were released for health reasons, but later re-arrested. One of the defendants died in Russian captivity, and eight have already served their full sentences.

According to human rights defenders, the charges in these cases are based on the testimony of 'hidden witnesses' and the conclusions of 'experts' affiliated with the FSB. The only 'evidence' is often banned literature, intelligence operational materials, or audio recordings of religious or political discussions. Hizb ut-Tahrir is banned in Russia, but its activities are not restricted in most countries, including Ukraine.

"Until now, not a single defendant in the Hizb ut-Tahrir case has been released as part of the exchanges. These people are forced to fully serve their illegal sentences, having nothing to do with criminal offenses," the CTRC emphasizes. In total, 25 Crimean political prisoners have already served their sentences, eight of them in the 'Hizb ut-Tahrir case'.

The Center believes that Russia is using criminal law as a tool of political pressure and suppression of non-violent resistance of Crimean Tatars to the occupation of the peninsula. Human rights activists demand that all sentences be canceled and all political prisoners be released.

The CTRC also calls on international institutions to increase pressure on Russia and impose personal sanctions against those involved in the persecution. The Russian authorities have not officially responded to these statements.

According to the CTRC, the total number of Crimeans persecuted by Russia for political reasons has increased to 447 people, including 258 Crimean Tatars. By category of persecution: 213 people have already been convicted and are being held in penal colonies, 57 have restrictions or probation, 78 are in pre-trial detention centers, 63 have been released, and 36 are in the status of persecuted. Separately, the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the ARC reports at least 222 political prisoners in Crimea as of August 2025, 133 of whom are Crimean Tatars.

Катерина Глушко