Additional Name(s): Lenar Azatovich Saitov, Saitov Lenar Azatovich, Саитов Ленар Азатович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 19 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: October/14/2014

Date of Sentencing: December/8/2017

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 Religious Activity Religious Association Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Crimes Involving Minors Extremism Terrorism

Lenar Saitov

Extra Bio Info:

Lenar Saitov is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity. 

On October 14, 2014, authorities arrested Saitov after raiding his home and confiscating computers and documents. Saitov was accused of being a member in the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir organization.  He and his colleagues reportedly came together to read religious literature and discuss religious and political issues, all of which are ordinary religious activities. Saitov was also specifically accused of trying to get a minor to join the organization.

On December 8, 2017, the Volga District Military Court sentenced Saitov to 19 years in prison for "organizing the activities of an organization…recognized as terrorist" (Art. 205.5-1 RCC), “organizing the activities of a public or religious association or other organization in respect of which a court has adopted a final decision to liquidate or ban activities in connection with extremist activities” (Art. 282.2-1 RCC), and "involving a minor in the commission of a crime" (Art. 150-4 RCC).

Saitov is married with two children.

Related Cases: Albert Valiullin, Azat Adiyev, Ruzim Davletshin, Radik Zaripov, Timur Uzbekov, Asgat Khafizov, Pavel Khevronin

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