Additional Name(s): Refat Mametovich Alimov, Алимов Рефат Маметович

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Russia

Ethnic Group: Crimean Tatar

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 8 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: April/18/2016

Date of Sentencing: November/12/2019

Date of Release: April/17/2024

Current Status: Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

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

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Terrorism Treason & Sedition

Refat Alimov

Extra Bio Info:

Refat Alimov was imprisoned for his alleged religious activity.

On April 18, 2016, authorities arrested Alimov after accusing him of being a member of the Hizb ut-Tahrir organization.  He and his colleagues allegedly held meetings where they studied the organization's literature and ideology and discussed political and social issues.

On November 12, 2019, Alimov was sentenced to eight years in prison and one year of restricted freedom 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). Alimov was tried alongside five other defendants, all Crimean Tatar Muslims, many of whom were prominently involved in political opposition to the occupation and human rights advocacy.

On June 25, 2020, Alimov's sentence was upheld.

On April 17, 2024, Alimov was released after completing his sentence.

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