A Crimean Tatar activist sentenced to 14 years has developed health problems while in the penal colony.

An activist from Simferopol, Akim Bekirov, who is currently serving a sentence in Penal Colony No. 9 in Chuvashia for alleged involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir, has reported deteriorating health. This was reported by Crimean Solidarity.

Bekirov is in need of dental treatment. He is also suffering from cervical osteochondrosis and skin problems.

“Sometimes [the skin condition] is normal, and sometimes the skin starts to peel and a fine rash appears. He has seen doctors on site—but it hasn’t helped. For the pain and other issues, they just suggest taking painkillers,” said the activist’s wife, Sabriye Bekirova.

The activist was transferred to the colony last October. Before that, he was held in a prison in Saratov region, a city on the Volga River in European Russia.

In March 2022, Bekirov was sentenced to 14 years in prison, the first five years to be served in a prison facility and the remainder in a high-security penal colony. Along with him, four other Crimean Tatars were sentenced to between 14 and 15 years. They were all found guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation (Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code) and preparing for a violent seizure of power (Article 278 with Part 1 of Article 30 of the Criminal Code).

Bekirov has been in detention since March 2019. Before his arrest, law enforcement in Crimea conducted searches at 25 addresses, including those of members of Crimean Solidarity. Along with Bekirov, 22 other people were detained and also placed in custody.