Additional Name(s): Аметов Эрнес Сейярович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Ethnic Group: Crimean Tatar

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 11 Years' Imprisonment (Originally Acquitted)

Date of Detainment: May/12/2022

Date of Sentencing: December/29/2022

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Ethnoreligious Identity Pilgrimage Religious Activity Religious Association

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Terrorism Treason & Sedition

Ernes Ametov

Extra Bio Info:

Ernes Ametov is imprisoned for his religious activity and alleged religious association.

On October 11, 2017, authorities in Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraine, detained several Crimean Tatar activists, including Ametov, after accusing them of being involved in the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir organization, holding meetings and classes, and spreading the organizations ideology.

On September 16, 2020, the Southern District Military Court found Ametov not guilty of “participating in the activities of an organization…recognized as terrorist” (Art. 205.5-2 RCC) and "preparing for actions aimed at the forcible seizure of power or the forcible retention of power” (Art. 30-1/Art. 278 RCC). During the trial, Ametov declared that he had never been a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir and was being targeted for going to mosque and talking about his pilgrimage to Mecca. Ametov was released following the verdict.

On March 14, 2022, the Military Court of Appeal in Vlasikha overturned Ametov's acquittal and ordered a new trial.

On May 12, 2022, Ametov was taken into custody.

On December 29, 2022, the Southern District Military Court sentenced Ametov to 11 years in prison for “participating in the activities of an organization…recognized as terrorist” (Art. 205.5-2 RCC) and "preparing for actions aimed at the forcible seizure of power or the forcible retention of power” (Art. 30-1/Art. 278 RCC).

On November 30, 2023, the Military Court of Appeal upheld Ametov's sentence.

Ametov is married with two children.

Related Cases: Marlen Asanov, Timur Ibragimov, Memet Belyalov, Server Zekiryayev, Server Mustafayev, Seyran Saliyev, Edem Smailov, Oleg Fedorov, Ernest Ibragimov

Sources: