Lawyer: Pressure is being exerted on imprisoned Crimean Tatars
Enver Mamutov, an imprisoned Crimean Tatar, lives in unacceptable conditions and is subject to psychological pressure, according to his lawyer, Emile Kurbedinov.
“Enver Mamutov has said that he is being held in solitary confinement. He has also not received pen and paper to write a statement, or approved books from the library. Just imagine spending all of your days in solitary confinement. To be imprisoned in such conditions and without any communication amounts to psychological pressure,” Kurbedinov told Krym.Realii.
On the 24th of May, Mamutov, Abseitov Zevri and Memetov Remzi were accused of terrorism. During the trial, they were placed in an iron cage despite the protests of their lawyers.
On the 18th of April, Russian security forces raided the village of Krasnokamianka (Big Yalta) and arrested Refat Alimov and Arsen Dzhepparov who are both Crimean Tatars. They were accused of being connected to the Russia Hizb ut-Tahrir organization, which is banned in Russia.
Kurbedinov also discussed the prison conditions endured by Dzhepparov.
“Arsen Dzhepparov was placed in a cell with people accused of rape and then transferred to a punishment cell. He was then placed in a cell known as the pressure house where he came into conflict with other inmates. He was then returned to the cell with rapists. Also, nobody allows Dzhepparov to pray Namaz. In addition to all of this, unknown people are urging his relatives to talk to him so that he would become more compliant!” Kurbedinov posted on Facebook.
According to him, there were also attempts to recruit Dzhepparov before his arrest. He stated that their defense team would appeal against these conditions and against the violation of their clients’ rights.
On the 12th of May, Russian security forces conducted a series of searches in the homes of Muslims in Bakhchisarai. The also searched a local café. As a result of this, four people were arrested and accused of terrorism: Zevri Abseitov, Remzi Memetov, Rustem Abeltarov and Enver Mamutov. On the 13th of May, the Russian-controlled Kiev District Court of Simferopol decided to detain these residents until the 11th of July. On the 24th of May, the Russian-controlled Crimea Supreme Court dismissed the defense lawyers’ appeal and upheld the decision to detain them.