Two years ago, on 23 July 2022, Russian occupiers 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.
According to the investigation, he lent 500 hryvnias to his acquaintance, who, as Appaz learnt after making the money transfer, serves in the battalion ‘Crimea’. In April 2023, the guy was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
It should be noted that the charges in this ‘case’ are based on the testimony of ‘hidden witnesses’ and the conclusion of so-called experts, who actively cooperate with the Russian security forces. The consideration of the case took place in flagrant violation of the norms of international law.
The Crimean Tatar Resource Centre strongly protests and declares that this decision is illegal, politically motivated and criminal. This policy of the Russian Federation is a demonstration of the fight against the political beliefs of citizens in the occupied Crimea.
Appaz’s mother, as well as all his relatives and acquaintances hope for a speedy exchange and release of the guy from the Russian prison. The Crimean Tatar Resource Centre in turn continues to work actively for the release of Appaz Kurtamet and all other political prisoners of Crimea.