09 January 2026
The Face of Resistance: The Story of Crimean Tatar Political Prisoner Ismet Ibrahimov
Life before the detention
Ismet Tairovych Ibrahimov was born on 25 January 1988. He is a Crimean Tatar. Born in the settlement of Sauk-Dere (Krasnodar Krai), he moved to Crimea with his family in 1989. He spent his school years in Sudak and later studied at Vocational School No. 38 in Simferopol. He worked in Sudak. In 2011, Ismet married. He is a father of three daughters.
Persecution
Following Russia’s occupation of Crimea, Ismet Ibrahimov became a target of repression as part of fabricated “anti-extremism” and “anti-terrorism” cases against Crimean Tatars.
On 7 July 2020, occupying security forces carried out mass searches and detained Ismet. On 8 July 2020, he was taken into custody. He was charged with fabricated accusations of “terrorism” under Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as “preparation for a forcible seizure or retention of power” under Articles 30/278 of the Criminal Code of the RF. The measure of restraint was repeatedly extended despite the defence’s position that the arrest was unfounded.
Behind The Bars
On 8 July 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Ismet Ibrahimov to 19 years of imprisonment: the first five years in prison, followed by a high-security penal colony, with an additional two years of restricted liberty. On 2 October 2023, the Military Court of Appeal in Vlasikha upheld the sentence. It was later reported that the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation also left the decision unchanged.
While in detention, Ismet faced health problems and limited access to medical care. Reports indicated that he required examinations by specialists, including a dentist and a gastroenterologist. It is also known that his wife was able to visit him in the Dimitrovgrad prison (Ulyanovsk region), marking one of the first long visits during his years of imprisonment.
In September 2025, Ismet was transferred to Detention Centre No. 1 (SIZO-1) in Pskov. During this period, the family suffered another loss: on 27 August 2025, Ismet’s mother passed away.
In early October 2025, news emerged that the political prisoner had been transferred to Penal Colony No. 6 (IK-6) in the settlement of Sosnovy Bor, Pskov region.
Despite years of imprisonment, separation from his family, and constant pressure from the Russian penitentiary system, Ismet Ibrahimov remains a symbol of resilience and dignity — one of those whom Russia persecutes for their identity, civic stance, and the right to be free in their native land.