A Crimean Tatar political prisoner, held in a punishment cell for the second year, complained of deteriorating health
Crimean Tatar Server Zekiryaev, sentenced to 13 years, has been regularly placed in a PKT (cell-type room) in correctional colony No. 1 in the city of Donskoy, Tula Region, for more than a year. Since February 2023, his conditions of detention have also been tightened, placing him in a punishment cell (punishment cell).
The specific reasons for these measures were never given to him; once the FSIN employees explained that they sent him to the PKT “for his lifestyle.” In addition, the political prisoner is denied family visits. The last time Zarem Zekiryaev’s wife visited him was in September 2022.
The Crimean Tatar's health has noticeably deteriorated: breathing problems began and chronic cardiovascular failure appeared. He suffers from vomiting after eating and constant dizziness. After arriving at the colony, the man’s Koran was confiscated.
Before his arrest, Server Zekiryaev worked as a physical education teacher and was engaged in floriculture. In Bakhchisaray, 13 children are waiting for him at large. The man was found guilty of involvement in the activities of the Islamic political party Hizb ut-Tahrir and sentenced to 13 years. The organization has been banned in Russia since 2003. On the territory of Ukraine and most countries of the world it operates without restrictions at the level of national legislation. It is noteworthy that the majority of convicted Crimean Tatars criticize the Russian government.
