06 February 2025

Russian Security Forces Conducted an Unlawful Search in the Home of Crimean Tatar Activist Seitnebi Ramazanov

The occupying administration continues its repressive policies against Crimean Tatars, targeting the relatives of political prisoners. On the morning of February 6, in the village of Rodnykove in the Simferopol district of occupied Crimea, Russian security forces conducted an unlawful search in the home of Crimean Tatar activist and respected elder Seitnebi Ramazanov, the father of former political prisoner Ismail Ramazanov.

According to the regional correspondent of Crimean Solidarity, a GAZelle minibus and two passenger cars were spotted near the activist’s home, with at least six armed officers present in the courtyard. Several representatives of the occupying security forces carried out an unlawful search. As of 10:20 a.m., Russian security forces left the Ramazanov family’s home. It has been reported that Seitnebi Ramazanov was not detained, and his freedom of movement remains unrestricted.

Preliminary information suggests that the actions of Russian security forces were connected to his son, Ismail Ramazanov, who was previously unlawfully imprisoned and is currently outside Crimea. Under the pretext of conducting a so-called “investigation” into his case, the occupying forces conducted a “search” in his father’s home. According to the correspondent, Ismail Ramazanov’s personal belongings, including documents, photographs, and a mobile phone, were seized during the search.

This incident is yet another example of the systematic pressure exerted on the Crimean Tatar people through the persecution of the relatives of political prisoners and the intimidation of activists.

The Russian occupying administration continues to grossly violate the rights of Ukrainian citizens in Crimea by engaging in unlawful detentions, fabricated charges, and persecution based on political and ethnic grounds. Such actions constitute a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law. Only the de-occupation of the Crimean Peninsula can protect its residents from politically motivated repression, religious persecution, and ethnic discrimination.

We call on the international community to take note of yet another instance of human rights violations in occupied Crimea and to take immediate measures to stop the persecution of Ukrainian citizens carried out by Russia.