Crimean Tatar political prisoner held in strict conditions for over seven months

Crimean Tatar Edem Smailov has been held in a strict conditions barracks in IK-7 in the Kostroma region for over seven months. He is also regularly placed in a punishment cell, where he has spent a total of two months.

According to Smailov's wife, the penalties are imposed on him in order to prevent him from being released on parole. The man was sent to punishment cells for various reasons: he adjusted his glasses, forgot to put on his hat, was without an apron at his workplace in the sewing shop, and was reading a book at an unspecified time.

Smailov's vision deteriorated and his periodontal disease worsened while in prison. The Crimean Tatar is not being examined; he was only given pills to improve his blood circulation.

On September 16, 2022, the Southern District Military Court of Rostov-on-Don sentenced Edem Smailov to 13 years in prison. He was charged with participating in the activities of a terrorist organization, but he did not admit guilt and stated that he was being persecuted for his religious beliefs - participation in the Islamic party Hizb ut-Tahrir, banned in the Russian Federation.

Последние новости
Drone attack on Volgograd leaves one dead, eight injured
News
Drone attack on Volgograd leaves one dead, eight injured
31 July 2026

The number of people injured in a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on the southern Russian city of Volgograd has risen to nine after rescuers recovered the body of a woman from the rubble of a residential building struck overnight on July 31.

Second Initiative to
Society
Second Initiative to "Protect National Values" Launched in Georgia in a Week
31 July 2026

Another public initiative aimed at protecting "national values" has emerged in Georgia. This time, the launch of a platform was announced by actor Giorgi Shanidze, director Giorgi Sikharulidze, and Kote Mzhavia, the director of the Batumi Drama Theater. They propose drafting a law intended—in their view—to protect the church, sacred sites, historical figures, and other "fundamental values" of the country.

Illegal dumping problem grows in Ingushetia, local media report
Society
Illegal dumping problem grows in Ingushetia, local media report
31 July 2026

While crews attempt to extinguish smoldering hotspots at the closed landfill in Malgobek, a new illegal dump is already forming nearby. Bers Bankhaev, head of Ingushetia’s Regional Management Center, highlighted this issue.

Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
Politics
Ukrainian drone strikes hit southern Russia and Dagestan overnight
31 July 2026

On the night of July 31, residents of Kaspiysk reported explosions near the seaport, which serves as the base for the Caspian Flotilla. Russian authorities have not officially commented on reports of a possible attack on the port. That same night, Ukrainian drones also struck other Russian regions.