On 21 June, Ayrat Dilmukhametov, one of the most famous figures of the Bashkir national movement, a publicist, journalist, and long-time political prisoner of the Russian regime, celebrates his 60th birthday. Born in the city of Ufa in 1966, he dedicated his life to the struggle for the rights of the Bashkir people, the protection of national identity, and the democratic future of Bashkortostan.
For decades, Dilmukhametov was one of the most consistent critics of the Kremlin’s Russian imperial policy. He participated in the creation of Bashkir public organisations, published independent publications, ran for elected office, and defended Bashkortostan’s right to real self-government.
It was for his political beliefs that Ayrat Dilmukhametov was repeatedly persecuted. The Russian authorities convicted him several times under so-called “extremist” and “terrorist” articles. In total, he spent many years behind bars, and in 2020, he was sentenced to nine years in a maximum-security colony. Human rights activists have repeatedly recognised him as a political prisoner and emphasised the political nature of the persecution.
For many Bashkirs, Ayrat Dilmukhametov has become a symbol of indomitability, a man who, even in the most difficult conditions, did not give up his beliefs and the right of his people to freedom. His name today stands in a row with other figures of enslaved nations who continue the struggle against Russian imperialism.
On the 60th anniversary of Ayrat Dilmukhametov, we wish him a speedy release, good health, and the opportunity to see the day when Bashkortostan and all nations enslaved by Moscow will receive the right to independently determine their own future.
Freedom for nations! Freedom for the Individual!
