CrimeaSOS: transfer of Crimean political prisoners to the russian federation is identical to the deportation of Crimean residents
2 / 10 / 2023
On October 2, 2023, it became known that the Crimean political prisoners Nariman Dzhelial, as well as Aziz and Asan Akhtemov were forcibly transported to prisons on the territory of the russian federation. CrimeaSOS shall remind that a transfer of victims of politically motivated persecution in Crimea to places of punishment in russia is a war crime, identical to the deportation of the inhabitants of the peninsula.
Leviza Dzhelialova, the political prisoner’s wife, informed about the transfer of Dzhelial and the Akhtemov brothers to the russian federation.
“Today, Nariman, Asan and Aziz were forcefully taken out of Crimea and sent to prisons. I can’t even imagine how difficult it is for Nariman to leave Crimea, because his love for the Motherland is inexhaustible, despite the threats, he is one of those who stayed and fought for the right to live freely and honestly in Crimea. However, the reality, unfortunately, is different, where human values such as honesty, friendship, the desire to live in peace and freedom have lost their meaning”, — wrote Leviza.
On September 21, 2022, the so-called “Supreme Court of Crimea” announced the sentence to the First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Nariman Dzhelial, citizen journalist Asan Akhtemov and his cousin Aziz Akhtemov. They are accused of allegedly blowing up a gas pipeline in the village of Perevalne near Simferopol, smuggling and storing explosives.
Back in April 2023, Ukrainian human rights defenders reported the threat of their deportation.
Since the beginning of 2023, at least 25 victims of politically motivated persecution in Crimea have been transferred to places of punishment on the territory of russia.
Transfers of civilians, including political prisoners, from the Crimean Peninsula to the territory of russia are a war crime. With such actions, the occupiers violate Articles 49 and 76 of the IV Geneva Convention. According to Article 76 of the IV Geneva Convention, “persons accused of offences shall be detained in the occupied country, and if convicted they shall serve their sentences therein”.