Abdulmedzhit Seytumerov, a political prisoner from Crimea, described in a letter from a Russian prison how the lives of Crimean Tatar families change when their loved ones are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. His wife, Amina Seytumerova, published the message on Facebook.
Seytumerov wrote that it is particularly hard on the children, who grow up for years without their fathers. He noted that they are deprived of their parents' daily care, assistance, and guidance, and that rare visits cannot replace constant interaction.
"Who can explain to a child why their beloved father isn't there, why he is far away, or why he is being held captive when he did nothing wrong—and actually helped people?" Seytumerov wrote.
He also described the plight of women who, after their husbands' imprisonment, must support and raise their children on their own. These mothers simultaneously look for work, handle household matters, and manage their children's schooling and meals. Seytumerov noted that hundreds of families in Crimea find themselves in this situation.
"The sentence handed down to one person effectively becomes a sentence for all family members, relatives, and loved ones," his letter states.
He also posed a rhetorical question about how a person can end up in prison simply for striving to live according to their religion and preserve their culture and language.
At the end of the letter, Seytumerov asked the Almighty to ease the families' burden and help them await their loved ones' return home.
Seytumerov was detained on August 24, 2023, following a search of his home. On the same day, security forces conducted searches at the homes of five other Crimean Tatars: Seydamet Mustafayev, Eldar Yakubov, Ruslan Asanov, Amethan Umerov, and Remzi Nimetulaev.
The six men were grouped together as the so-called "fifth Bakhchysarai group" in the *Hizb ut-Tahrir* case. Seytumerov is accused of involvement with the organization, which is designated as terrorist and banned in Russia but operates legally in Ukraine and many other countries worldwide.
Russian prosecutors are seeking a 17-year prison sentence for Seytumerov, with the first three years to be served in a prison facility.
