Crimean political prisoner Tofik Abdulgaziev has partially lost his eyesight

Crimean political prisoner Tofik Abdulgaziev, who was illegally sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Russian occupiers, informed Crimean Solidarity that he partially lost his eyesight. His wife, Alie Kurtametova, told Crimean Solidarity about this, noting that her husband was able to contact his family through the official prison communication system, Zonatelecom.

According to his wife, the sharp and rapid deterioration of his eyesight began in October. Abdulgaziev requested to call an ophthalmologist, but as of today, he has not been examined by a doctor. The political prisoner explained that he cannot see with his peripheral eyesight, and his central vision remains blurred and foggy.

“He cannot see the plate he has to eat from. He asks for help to dial a number on the telephone because his finger hits the wall. Tofik cannot read or write replies to letters he receives from  people,” Alie Kurtametova stressed.

The Crimean Tatar Resource Center emphasizes that the lack of adequate medical care and the disregard for the appeals of political prisoners is a gross violation of international humanitarian law and further evidence of the inhumane treatment of illegally detained Ukrainian citizens by the occupying authorities.

We demand that Tofik Abdulgaziev be provided with the necessary medical care without delay and be released from illegal detention.

We would like to remind that Tofik Abdulgaziev was detained in occupied Crimea on March 27, 2019. He was accused of participating in the organization “Hizb ut-Tahrir,” and on May 12, 2022, in Rostov-on-Don, the Southern District Military Court sentenced Abdulgaziev to 12 years of imprisonment in a strict regime colony, the first 5 years of which are to be served in prison, followed by one year of restricted freedom after release.