On March 5th, a series of widespread searches were conducted in the residences of Crimean Tatars in annexed Crimea.
This was reported by the Crimean Solidarity NGO. Notably:
- In Bakhchisarai, investigative actions targeted the homes of Crimean Solidarity activists, while in Dzhankoy district, searches were carried out at the residences of religious leaders. A total of 10 Crimean Tatars were affected, including individuals such as Rustem Osmanov, Aziz Azizov, Memet Lumanov, Mustafa Abduramanov, former Imam Remzi Kurtnezirov, Imam Vait Mustafayev, Ali Mamutov, Arsen Kashko, Enver Khalilayev, and Nariman Ametov.
- During the searches, Imam Mustafayev’s house was occupied by three children, including twins (4 years old) and a 6-month-old baby. The FSB seized the imam’s passport, military ID, and phone.
- Searches in the village of Lobanovo, Dzhankoy district, resulted in the detention of former imam Remzi Kurtnezirov and Enver Khalilayev. Kurtnezirov, having an indefinite disability of the 2nd group, required medical attention, and an ambulance was called.
- Investigative actions were conducted in the house of Arsen Kashko, where five minors and his pregnant wife were present.
- The FSB took away Rustem Osmanov, Nariman Ametov, and Mustafa Abduramanov after the searches.
«There were ten of them, accompanied by two girls acting as witnesses. The children, already awake, were frightened and bewildered by the unfolding events. An officer, armed and wearing a mask, entered our room, causing particular fear in the younger child. He instructed us to remain in the same room and not to leave. My husband and the officer proceeded to search the entire house, starting from the kitchen and progressing through each room. They scrutinized books, searching for any forbidden literature. Throughout the ordeal, the female witnesses maintained a demeanor of constant joking and laughter», – recounted Aliye Abduramanova, the wife of Mustafa.