Crimean Tatar political prisoner held in strict conditions for over seven months

Crimean Tatar Edem Smailov has been held in a strict conditions barracks in IK-7 in the Kostroma region for over seven months. He is also regularly placed in a punishment cell, where he has spent a total of two months.

According to Smailov's wife, the penalties are imposed on him in order to prevent him from being released on parole. The man was sent to punishment cells for various reasons: he adjusted his glasses, forgot to put on his hat, was without an apron at his workplace in the sewing shop, and was reading a book at an unspecified time.

Smailov's vision deteriorated and his periodontal disease worsened while in prison. The Crimean Tatar is not being examined; he was only given pills to improve his blood circulation.

On September 16, 2022, the Southern District Military Court of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Edem Smailov to 13 years in prison. He was charged with participating in the activities of a terrorist organization, but he did not admit guilt and stated that he was being persecuted for his religious beliefs - participation in the Islamic party Hizb ut-Tahrir, banned in the Russian Federation.

Последние новости
Москва ответила на запрет Еревана: «Заменить армянские товары не составит труда»
Politics
Москва ответила на запрет Еревана: «Заменить армянские товары не составит труда»
31 July 2026

Москва заявила, что без труда заменит армянские товары после того, как Ереван ввел шестимесячный запрет на импорт томатной пасты, объяснив это последствиями российских ограничений на поставки армянской сельхозпродукции.

Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
Society
Chechnya Promotes Mountainous Areas: Photo Contest of Local Mountains Announced in Vedeno
31 July 2026

The administration of the Vedensky District in Chechnya has announced a contest for photographs and short videos featuring local mountain scenery. A prize of 100,000 rubles is offered for the best entry, while the runners-up in second and third place will receive 70,000 and 50,000 rubles, respectively.

Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
Politics
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
30 July 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan does not rule out taking its dispute with Russia over the management of the South Caucasus Railway to an international court if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, he stressed that the Armenian authorities hope to settle the matter through talks.

Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
Society
Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
30 July 2026

Circassian youth from Syria and Turkey have held their first international gathering in Damascus since the change of power in the country, bringing together young members of the diaspora to strengthen cultural ties, foster dialogue, and discuss future cooperation.