Another group of Crimean Tatars was sentenced to long terms

Six Crimean Tatars were sentenced to terms ranging from 11 to 14 years. Ayder Asanov was sentenced to 11 years, Osman Abdurazakov, Leman Zekeryaev, Ekrem Krosh, Khalil Mambetov and Refat Seydametov - 14 each.

The convicts were found guilty of participating in the activities of the Hizb ut-Tahrir party, which is considered terrorist in the Russian Federation. Lawyer Lilya Gemedzha noted that since 2015, law enforcement officers have been carrying out operational and investigative measures against Crimean Tatars, including surveillance in the mosque of the village of Novostepnoe, Dzhankoy district. They were detained only seven years later.

"If these people were a threat, why didn't law enforcement take any action for seven years?" Hemeji emphasized.

She also pointed out the weakness of the testimony of anonymous witnesses.

"I am outraged that Muslims are accused of serious crimes only because they follow their religion. People who pray, repair mosques, discuss Islam — receive such punishments," activist Eskender Dzhelyalov commented on the case.

Six Crimean Tatars were detained after searches on the article of participation in the activities of the Hizb ut-Tahrir party. The defendants were also charged with an article about the violent seizure of power.

According to human rights activists, party members are being persecuted not for preparing a coup d'etat and terrorism, but for criticizing the authorities of the Russian Federation and repressions in Crimea. In total, "Memorial" recognized as political prisoners more than 280 persons involved in the case of involvement in "Hizb ut-Tahrir".

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