Russian court pronounces severe sentences to the defendants in Alushta "Hizb ut-Tahrir case"

This is reported by Radio Liberty citing the public organization "Crimean Solidarity".

According to these data, the court, represented by the presiding Judge Roman Saprunov, delivered the following verdict:

Ruslan Mesut – 18 years of imprisonment in a high-security penal colony with restriction of freedom for one year after his release

Lenur Khalilov – 18 years of imprisonment in a high-security penal colony with restriction of freedom for one year after his release

Eldar Kantimirov – 12 years of imprisonment in a high-security penal colony with restriction of freedom for one year after his release

Ruslan Nagayev – 13 years of imprisonment in a high-security penal colony with restriction of freedom for one year after his release

Only six people were allowed to be present at the announcement of the verdict: Eldar Kantimirov's mother, Lenur Khalilov's wife, Ruslan Nagaev's daughter and Ruslan Mesut's sister.

Lawyers for the convicts have not yet commented on the verdict.

Dua (prayers) were held in Crimea yesterday in support of Crimean Tatars Ruslan Nagaev, Eldar Kantimirov, Lenur Khalilov and Ruslan Mesut.

Crimeans were detained by Russian security forces after searches on June 10, 2019. The FSB of Russia stated that the investigative measures are being carried out within the framework of a criminal case on "organizing or participating in the activities of a terrorist organization" and concern the religious organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, which is banned in Russia and in the territory of Crimea annexed by it.

Defenders of Crimeans arrested and convicted in the "Hizb ut-Tahrir cases" consider their persecution motivated on religious grounds.