30 January 2026

The Face of Resistance: The Story of Crimean Tatar Activist Alim Karimov

Life Before the Detention

Alim Karimov was born on 8 April 1994 in Simferopol. He grew up in a large family as the youngest of four sons. His mother raised the children on her own, and after completing 9th grade, Alim was forced to switch to distance learning to work and support his family.

Due to difficult financial circumstances, he was unable to continue his formal education after school and began working immediately — first in construction, later as a driver on intercity minibus routes. Prior to his detention, he also worked in advertising.

In early 2018, Alim married, and later that same year his son, Isa, was born.

Alim actively attended court hearings and searches carried out by the occupying authorities against fellow Crimean residents. He supported the families of political prisoners and took part in organising children’s events in the village of Strohanivka.

Persecution

The persecution of Alim Karimov began as early as February 2017, when he and nine other residents of the Crimean Peninsula were detained for five days for supporting fellow community members during a search. Prior to this incident, he had already been under surveillance.

On 27 March 2019, the occupying security forces conducted mass searches in the homes of 26 Crimean Tatars in Simferopol. During the searches, passports, mobile phones and books were confiscated, and physical force was used in some cases. Following the searches, 20 Crimean Tatars were detained, including Alim Karimov.

All detainees were charged within the framework of the so-called Crimean Muslims case, accused of alleged involvement in the Islamic political organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir, which is recognised as a terrorist organisation by the Russian Federation.

Subsequently, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Alim Karimov to 13 years of imprisonment. After the verdict was announced in the courtroom, he addressed the occupiers, stating: “After such sentences, your country is turning into North Korea.”

Behind the Bars

Following his detention, Alim Karimov’s defence team filed appeals. However, the so-called court repeatedly extended his pre-trial detention, while all appeals were dismissed.

In addition, during the proceedings, the “court” restricted the time allowed for reviewing the case materials, effectively depriving the defence of adequate time to prepare.

During the court debates, Alim Karimov openly emphasised the politically motivated nature of the case. He remains behind bars to this day, deprived of the opportunity to be with his family and his young son.