A Crimean Tatar political prisoner has reported critical health
Tofik Abdulgaziyev, a Crimean Tatar convicted of participating in Hizb ut-Tahrir, is in critical condition, according to his wife, Aliye Kurtametova. Recent reports indicate a sharp deterioration in his health: on January 20, he complained of severe dizziness, nosebleeds, and elevated blood sugar levels. He had previously also reported a loss of coordination.
Abdulgaziyev's serious health is related to a malignant brain tumor diagnosed in December 2025. Surgery is planned, but the prognosis for recovery is poor. Deteriorating vision and periodic loss of consciousness also indicate the seriousness of his condition.
Since March 2024, Tofik Abdulgaziyev has been in a prison hospital in Chelyabinsk, where he was admitted in serious condition. In addition to the tumor, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and a number of other illnesses. Despite his critical health, a court denied his release in August 2024.
Abdulgaziyev has been in prison since March 2019. He was convicted of involvement with the Islamic party Hizb ut-Tahrir, which is designated a terrorist organization in Russia. This party operates legally in most countries.
