Friendship born in captivity: the story of Crimean political prisoners Bohdan Ziza and Appaz Kurtamet

In the harsh conditions of imprisonment, strong friendship ties often emerge to help overcome adversity. An example of such friendship is the relationship between Crimean political prisoners: Bohdan Ziza and Appaz Kurtamet. They met in a detention facility in Crimea, and then ended up in the same cell in Vladimir Central. This is reported by the mother of Appaz Kurtamet Ayshe Kurtamet.

Appaz in his letter remembered the joint projects and plans with great respect and sadness.

‘This is your film partner writing to you. I hope (I am sure) this letter will make you happy. I miss your casual wit and ‘feline independence’, ha ha. I hope you also miss my, for example, silly loud laughter or equally silly humour…,’ Appaz Kurtamet wrote.

The political prisoner also said that he tries to find joy in being in a new city, away from his home and friend Bohdan. Despite everything Appaz works, draws pictures and even hopes for further educational opportunities.

In his letters, Bohdan Ziza expresses his joy at receiving a message from Appaz and shares his thoughts.

‘You’ve definitely become that kind of person for me, and that’s why I’m really glad we met. You know, I’ve never called anyone ‘brother’, especially not consciously and not just for a bunch of words, but now I can and it warms my soul,‘ – Bohdan Ziza wrote in response.

Appaz’s mother, Ayşe Kurtamet, notes that her son speaks warmly of Bohdan and is happy to meet him. She considers both young men bright and devoted to their homeland. Ayşe also expresses her hope for their imminent release so that they can meet and continue their friendship.

These letters and testimonies demonstrate the strength of the human spirit and the importance of support even in the most difficult circumstances.

Recall that Appaz Kurtamet is the youngest Crimean political prisoner who is illegally held behind bars in the Russian Federation.

It is known that on 23 July 2022, Russian occupants detained Crimean Tatar Appaz Kurtamet on suspicion of allegedly financing a terrorist organisation under Art. 208 part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

According to the investigation, he lent 500 hryvnias to his acquaintance, who, as Appaz learnt after the money transfer, serves in the battalion ‘Crimea’. In April 2023, the guy was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

The Crimean Tatar Resource Center condemns such actions on the part of the Russian Federation and demands the release of the youngest political prisoner of Crimea!