Russian court sentenced another Crimean Tatar political prisoners to long terms

The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced four Crimean Tatar activists to lengthy prison terms for participating in the activities of the Islamic political organization Hizb ut-Tahrir. Dzhebbar Bekirov received 17 years in a strict regime colony, Zavur Abdullaev, Rustem Murasov and Rustem Tairov received 12 years each.

In court, political prisoners spoke about the bias and injustice of the authorities, the judicial and law enforcement systems. They came in protest T-shirts with inscriptions: “Faith and fortitude are stronger than the sword of tyrants”, “Deportation continues”, “Faith is not terrorism”.

Before the arrest, Dzhebbar Bekirov, Zavur Abdullayev, Rustem Murasov and Rustem Tairov took an active part in the social life of the Crimean Tatar people. They visited courts in Crimea and Rostov-on-Don on politically motivated cases against compatriots, participated in flash mobs and various information initiatives, pickets in support of political prisoners.

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