Additional Name(s): Ernest Seytosmanov, Эрнеса Сейтосманова

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Ethnic Group: Crimean Tatar

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Reduced to 17 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment

Sentence: Originally 18 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: February/9/2022

Date of Sentencing: May/24/2023

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Ethnoreligious Identity Possession of Religious Materials Religious Activity Religious Association

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Terrorism Treason & Sedition

Ernes Seytosmanov

Extra Bio Info:

Ernes Seytosmanov is imprisoned for his alleged religious activity.

On February 9, 2022, authorities in Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraine, detained several individuals, including Seytosmanov, after searching their homes. Investigators accused Osmanov of leading a cell of the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir organization, possessing specific religious literature, discussing religion, and recruiting members to the organization. He was charged with "organizing the activities of an organization…recognized as terrorist" (Art. 205.5-1 RCC) and "preparing for actions aimed at the forcible seizure of power or the forcible retention of power” (Art. 30-1/Art. 278 RCC).

On May 24, 2023, the Southern District Military Court sentenced Seytosmanov to 18 years in prison.

On November 1, 2023, the Military Court of Appeal reduced Seytosmanov's sentence by six months in prison to 17 years and six months in prison on charges of  “participating in the activities of an organization…recognized as terrorist” (Art. 205.5-2 RCC) and "preparing for actions aimed at the forcible seizure of power or the forcible retention of power” (Art. 30-1/Art. 278 RCC).

Related Cases: Marlen Mustafayev, Ametkhan Abdulvapov, Ansar Osmanov

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