30 April 2025

Uzeir Abdullaiev: Ninth Birthday Behind the Bars

Today, April 30, Ukrainian citizen, Crimean Tatar, and unlawfully imprisoned Uzeir Abdullaiev marks his 51st birthday. For the ninth consecutive year, he is forced to spend this day in a high-security penal colony in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Born in 1974 in Baku to a family of Crimean Tatar and Azerbaijani heritage, Uzeir had a lifelong passion for martial arts, earning numerous athletic achievements. He obtained a degree in law but chose the path of a coach. After settling in Crimea, he built a family with his wife Fera, with whom he raised four children, and he also completed a pilgrimage to Mecca.

On October 12, 2016, during unlawful mass raids in the village of Strohoniivka, Simferopol district, Russian security forces illegally detained Uzeir and his brother Teimur. On June 18, 2019, a court in Rostov-on-Don illegally sentenced Uzeir to 12.5 years in a high-security colony, and Teimur to 17 years. In December of the same year, the sentence was formally reduced by six months. Uzeir is currently held in Penal Colony No. 16 in the city of Salavat, Republic of Bashkortostan, more than 1,500 km from Crimea.

Uzeir’s health condition raises serious concern. He has been diagnosed with an acquired heart defect, chronic swelling of the lower limbs, and allergic rhinitis. His prolonged confinement in damp prison cells has only worsened his condition.

“In essence, I am left defenseless — I cannot protect my children from the pressure and violations committed by FSIN [Federal Penitentiary Service] officers. My eldest son, who is seriously ill, is subjected to all forms of pressure except being placed in a punishment cell, since his medical condition is incompatible with confinement in the damp cells,” said Diliara Abdullaieva, the mother of Uzeir and Teimur, on her Facebook page.

The case of Uzeir Abdullaiev is an example of politically motivated persecution, which has become a widespread phenomenon in temporarily occupied Crimea. It is the result of discriminatory practices based on religious beliefs, ethnic background, and civic stance.

On his birthday, we call on the international community to continue exerting pressure on Russia and to support the return and protection of Uzeir Abdullaiev and all Ukrainian citizens who have been unlawfully imprisoned by Russia for political and religious reasons.