28 December 2025

Political Prisoner Tofik Abdulgaziiev, Diagnosed With a Malignant Tumour, Describes His Condition in a New Letter

The condition of Crimean political prisoner Tofik Abdulgaziiev, who has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour, continues to deteriorate. During one of his recent conversations with his wife, Alie Kurtametova, the Crimean Tatar dictated a letter addressed to all those who support him.

“As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, my dear jamaat.
This is the servant of Allah — Tofik.

While my sight has not yet completely left me and I am still able to think clearly, I have decided to write you this letter.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, who has not forgotten me and has once again granted me a test. I am endlessly grateful to Allah for everything and sincerely content with it.

Some may consider me mad, thinking: ‘What is there to be happy about? He is in prison, has developed numerous illnesses, and so on.ʼ

Earlier, when I was free, I thought I understood everything. Yes, I performed my salah. Yes, I fasted. Yes, I did good deeds. But once I found myself in prison, I became closer to my Creator and loved Him so deeply that I cannot express it in words. In every moment, I see how Allah helps and guides me.

This dunya sometimes draws a person in so strongly that we, unfortunately, forget a great deal. We are always running somewhere, rushing, performing our prayers in haste, unable to devote proper time to our Lord, behaving as if we will live forever. I am speaking now about myself personally. But once you end up here, you understand that besides Allah, you have no one.

Recently, I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. For someone who does not reflect deeply, this is a death sentence, but for a Muslim, it is another test. I understand this perfectly and do not grieve for a moment. We all belong to Allah, and to Him is our return. What matters most to me is how I will come to my Lord and whether I have earned His forgiveness.

In this letter, my dear jamaat, I want to tell you: do not be afraid and do not grieve. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Ibn Abbas:
‘O young boy, I shall teach you some words. Remember Allah, and He will protect you. Remember Allah, and you will find Him before you. If you ask for something, ask Allah. If you seek help, seek it from Allah. And know: if all people were to gather together to benefit you, they could only benefit you with what Allah has already decreed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you, they could only harm you with what Allah has already decreed for you. The pens have been lifted, and the pages have dried.’

Therefore, only our deeds depend on us. The same applies to death. We all know well that people die, but each in their own time and on their appointed day. So do not worry.

What matters most is that you be like a single structure, whose bricks are firm, and love Allah as you have never loved Him before in your life.

I want to express my gratitude to all who care about me: to those who constantly read dua for me, to those who help my family. May Allah be pleased with you; I constantly ask Allah for each of you.

Yes, our path is difficult, but the end will be the best, insha’Allah.

To our lawyers — you are the best! May Allah be pleased with you.

To my brothers — those who, despite everything, sacrifice your precious time and help our families. May Allah be pleased with you and reward you a thousandfold.

My dear person, my mother — may Allah be pleased with you for everything you do for us.

My best sister in the world, Lilia — may Allah be pleased with you and your family. You always find the words to comfort me and brighten my day within these bleak walls.

My companion in this life, my faithful friend and comrade, my wife, given to me as a gift from Allah — I am pleased with you as my wife and as my friend. You are always by my side, no matter what happens. May Allah be pleased with you.

My dear jamaat — hold firmly to the rope of Allah and do not be divided! Truly, the help of Allah is near!”

Tofik Abdulgaziiev was detained in March 2019 following the largest wave of searches in the homes of Crimean Tatars in Simferopol. He, along with dozens of other activists, was accused of involvement in terrorist organisations. In May 2022, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Abdulgaziiev to 12 years in a strict-regime colony, and in July 2023 he was transferred to the Verkhneuralsk prison in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region.

Since March 2024, Tofik Abdulgaziiev has been held in Tuberculosis Prison Hospital No. 3 in Chelyabinsk. He was diagnosed with disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis with involvement of intrathoracic lymph nodes. In April, he was moved to intensive care, where tuberculosis and several other severe conditions were confirmed: bilateral pneumonia, anaemia, heart disease, gastritis, and kidney stone disease. Despite his critical condition, in August 2024 the court partially denied his request for early release.

In October this year, it became known that the Crimean Tatar’s eyesight had sharply deteriorated — and by November, he had partially lost it. In December, it was revealed that Tofik Abdulgaziiev has a malignant tumour and requires surgery. His wife stresses that doctors give him no realistic chance of recovery.