Russia's Southern District Military Court sentenced six Crimean Tatars on October 21 to prison terms ranging from 15 to 19 years over alleged involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamic political organization designated as terrorist and banned in Russia.
Ruslan Asanov received a 19-year sentence, while Remzi Nimetulaev was sentenced to 18 years. Seydamet Mustafayev, Ametkhan Umerov, Abdulmejit Seitumerov and Eldar Yakubov each received 15 years.
Under the verdict, each defendant must serve the first four years of the sentence in prison.
The Russian prosecution was based on the men's alleged participation in the banned organization's activities. Allegations of membership in an organization designated as terrorist by a Russian court must be distinguished from allegations of specific acts of violence.
Hizb ut-Tahrir is banned in Russia under a Supreme Court ruling but operates legally in several other countries.
Since Russia took control of Crimea in 2014, Russian law enforcement agencies have opened numerous criminal cases against residents of the peninsula over alleged involvement with the organization.
Human rights groups have criticized the application of Russian anti-terrorism legislation in these cases, particularly the lengthy sentences and the absence of charges involving specific acts of violence.
Crimea remains internationally recognized as part of Ukraine and is under Russian occupation.