26 December 2024

Political Prisoner Osman Seitumerov Reports Suffering from Gastritis in a Russian Prison

Crimean political prisoner Osman Seitumerov, unlawfully sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment, is experiencing periodic aggravation of gastritis. Currently, he is in a prison in the city of Vladimir, where he is undergoing treatment in the medical unit.

His mother, Lilia Seitumerova, shared this information in an interview with Crimean Solidarity after a prolonged visit with her son.

“The food is relatively satisfactory. There is no pork in the diet. That’s already good,” she conveyed on behalf of Osman. In September 2023, relatives had already reported a severe gastritis episode that required an emergency medical response.

Osman Seitumerov was arrested following illegal raids conducted by the occupying administration on March 11, 2020, in Bakhchysarai. These raids targeted the homes of several Crimean Tatars, including Amet Suleimanov, brothers Seitumer and Osman Seitumerov, and their uncle Rustem Seitmemetov.

In October 2021, a so-called “court” in Rostov-on-Don unlawfully sentenced Seitumer Seitumerov to 17 years in prison, Osman Seitumerov to 14 years, Rustem Seitmemetov to 13 years, and Amet Suleimanov to 12 years. All were sentenced to serve time in high-security penal colonies. On February 9, 2023, the “appellate court” in Vlasikha upheld the ruling of the “court of first instance.”

We call upon the international community to intensify efforts to secure the release of all unlawfully detained individuals and to ensure they receive proper medical care. We urge increased pressure on the aggressor state to liberate the occupied territories, as only this will put an end to the practice of illegal detentions and repressions on religious and ethnic grounds.