Urgent appeal for Crimean Tatar activist Tofik Abdulgazi: 'Let him die at home'

WISE NEWS PRESS / SIMFEROPOL, CRIMEA — DEC. 29, 2025

An urgent humanitarian appeal has been launched for Tofik Abdulgazi, a Crimean Tatar activist sentenced to 12 years in prison by Russian authorities. His family and legal representatives report that his health has reached a catastrophic point, with the activist suffering from a malignant brain tumor and losing nearly all of his eyesight.

Abdulgazi, who was detained in March 2019, has lost over 40 kilograms (88 lbs) due to the severe conditions in the Russian penal system. His wife and lawyer are now pleading for his immediate release on medical grounds so he may spend his final days with his family.

Malignant Tumor and Loss of Vision

According to information shared by the Emel Crimea Foundation and Crimean Solidarity, Abdulgazi is currently being held at a tuberculosis hospital in Chelyabinsk. After being admitted to intensive care in March 2024, medical evaluations identified a malignant tumor in his brain. The tumor has caused neurological damage resulting in near-total vision loss, leaving the activist in a state of extreme physical frailty.

Family's Plea: "Give Him a Chance to Be with Us"

Aliye Abdulgazi, the activist’s wife, has reached out to international human rights organizations and the Russian Human Rights Ombudsman. In an emotional statement, she urged the media and global activists to intervene. "I am asking everyone to help my husband. Give him a chance to live his last days with his family," she stated, highlighting the irreversible nature of his condition.

Legal Battle for Medical Release

Defense attorney Emil Kurbedinov argued that under Russian law, Abdulgazi possesses medical conditions that should legally prohibit his continued incarceration. Despite a previous application for release being rejected in July 2024, Kurbedinov has filed a new appeal.

"Tofik should be at home in Crimea," Kurbedinov stated. "He has almost completely lost his sight, and his condition is dire. We hope the court will finally hear us and grant him a release on humanitarian grounds."

The Emel Crimea Foundation also joined the call, urging the international community to pressure Moscow for the immediate repatriation of Abdulgazi to his home in Crimea for palliative care.

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