In Crimea, a judge refused to fine the imam of the independent Muslim community “Eski Kyrym” Izet Saifullin under the article on “illegal missionary”. The report was returned to the police. According to the judge, the document contains no information that Saifullin was engaged in missionary activities.

At the end of February, a search was carried out in the imam’s house, after which he was taken to the Center for Special Operations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There, a report was drawn up against him under the article of “illegal missionary activity.” Searches were also carried out at other Crimean Tatars.

As the chairman of the Eski Kyrym community, Idris Yurdamov, explained, the search at Saifullin’s place was related to the prayer he had previously held. According to security officials, only an imam appointed by the Russian-controlled part of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea can conduct prayers. The residents of the city do not know this imam.

“Previously, we had an imam from the muftiate - he calmly conducted prayers for 7 years, but then he disappeared. We don't know where he is. People began to wonder how we would conduct prayers without an imam. As a result, we gathered and elected Saifullin,” Yurdamov spoke about the situation.

Many Crimean Tatars are considered unreliable by Russian authorities. They support Ukraine and criticize the Russian authorities. Criminal cases are being massively initiated against Crimean Tatars for membership in the Hizb ut-Tahrir party, which is recognized as a terrorist organization.