Abdulvapov Ametkhan Nadzhip-ogly

On February 9, 2022, in annexed Simferopol, a 32-year-old mechanical engineer, Amethan Abdulvapov, a Crimean Tatar, was detained. He was charged with participating in the activities of a terrorist organization, as well as preparing for the violent seizure of power and the overthrow of the constitutional order.

According to investigators, Abdulvapov joined the Simferopol cell of the organization “Hizb ut-Tahrir” no later than December 11, 2015. Until his arrest, he carried out covert activities: he held discussions with local residents, distributed party materials, and encouraged Muslims to engage in organized anti-constitutional activities. The goal of this work, according to the prosecution, was to establish a theocratic state known as the “Universal Islamic Caliphate.” The defendant participated in clandestine meetings (“halakat”) where methods for dismantling state borders were discussed, including through “jihad.” Ametkhan Abdulvapov did not admit guilt.

During the investigation, the defendant was held in a pretrial detention center.

On March 15, 2023, the Southern District Military Court found Ametkhan Abdulvapov guilty and sentenced him to 10.5 years of imprisonment; he must serve the first 3 years of his sentence in prison, with the remainder to be served in a strict-regime correctional colony. The court also imposed a one-year restriction on his freedom.

On November 27, 2023, the Military Court of Appeals upheld the sentence.