Chechen Activist Movlaev Placed Under 40-Day Extradition Arrest in Almaty

Lawyer Rena Kerimova, who represents Chechen activist Mansur Movlaev, stated on social media that her client has been placed under extradition arrest for 40 days, Orda.kz reports.

Another of Movlaev’s lawyers, Elena Zhigalenok, shared details of the court proceedings with Orda’s editorial team.

The prosecutor requested a 40-day arrest – this is temporary detention until an official request for extradition is received. The court granted this request, and Mansur will spend the next 40 days in a pre-trial detention center,
she explained. 

Movlaev also spoke during the hearing. He did not oppose the decision and expressed concern for his safety if released.

He said directly that it is more dangerous to be free now – there is a risk of kidnapping and forced return to Chechnya. In court, he briefly explained what exactly awaits him at home: torture and death for his human rights activities and criticism of the Kadyrov regime,
Zhigalenok added. 

The defense submitted a video during the hearing showing the body of a teenager killed by Chechen security forces in the central square of Achkhoy-Martan as an example of the risks Movlaev faces.

Mansur Movlaev, known for publicly criticizing Ramzan Kadyrov, was detained by Almaty police on May 13 following a request from Russian authorities. He had previously served a prison term in Kyrgyzstan and was expelled from the country after completing his sentence.

Original Author: Aliya Askarava