the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, Ümerov condemned the annexation, urging residents of Crimea to boycott the 2014 Crimean status referendum. Despite this, he initially continued to hold his position as head of the Bakhchysarai Municipal State Administration under Russia. However, on 19 August 2014, he resigned from the position due to his refusal to take an oath to serve Russia. On 15 March 2015, he became a deputy chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, serving alongside (elected 2013), Ahtem Chiygoz (elected 2008), and (elected 2013). Criminal proceedings On 12 May 2016, Ümerov was detained by the Russian authorities in Crimea after making statements in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine on the ATR television channel. Prior to his arrest, Ümerov had received offers to be brought to mainland Ukraine, but refused, viewing the need to fight for Crimean Tatars within Crimea as a matter of paramount importance. Ümerov was recognised as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. Ümerov's trial was marred by irregularities; in August 2016, he was sent to a psychiatric facility, where he spent three weeks before being released. Due to restrictions placed on him by courts, he was unable to receive medical care for his diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and heart disease. One of Ümerov's lawyers was detained and barred from representing him during hearings. On 27 September 2017, Ümerov was found guilty of charges of inciting separatism and sentenced to two years of penal labour. He was additionally prohibited from public activities and speaking to media for two years. In September 2016, Ümerov was fined ₽750 for participating in a meeting of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People. On 25 October 2017, following negotiations by President Petro Poroshenko and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ümerov was released from detention alongside Ahtem Chiygoz and flown to Turkey. From Turkey, Ümerov and Chiygoz returned to Ukraine, landing on 27 October 2017. References 1957 births Living people Crimean Tatar independence activists Crimean Tatar politicians People from Fergana Region People of the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation People with diabetes People with Parkinson's disease Political abuse of psychiatry in Russia Russian political prisoners