Crimean Tatar political prisoners have had their sentences upheld

The Crimean Tatar activists Alexander Sizikov, Alim Sufianov and Seyran Khairedinov, convicted in the case of participation in the activities of Hizb ut-Tahrir, had their sentences upheld in cassation.

Sizikov, who has a visual impairment, was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Khairedinov and Sufianov were sentenced to 12 years each. They were found guilty under articles on organizing the activities of a terrorist organization and preparing for the violent seizure of power.

The Islamist party Hizb ut-Tahrir has been recognized as a terrorist organization in Russia. Its members are being tried and sentenced to real terms on the basis that they met in apartments, read religious literature and recruited new members. In total, Memorial recognized 299 defendants in cases of involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir as political prisoners.

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