Kazakhstan Can’t Extradite Chechen Opposition Activist Mansur Movlaev During Asylum Process, Say Lawyers

Chechen opposition figure Mansur Movlaev cannot legally be extradited from Kazakhstan, according to his legal team, Orda.kz reports.

Lawyer Rena Kerimova stated that the Almaty pre-trial detention center had swiftly issued a power of attorney to three defense attorneys, allowing them to represent Movlaev in all legal matters. With that document, they obtained an official certificate confirming that Movlaev has applied for asylum in Kazakhstan.

The original certificate has already been handed over to Mansur in the detention center. We also sent copies to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Almaty Prosecutor’s Office,said attorney Elena Zhigalenok. 

This certificate affirms that Movlaev is legally present in Kazakhstan. 

On May 21, Kazakh authorities began formally reviewing his application for refugee status. Under the law, Movlaev cannot be extradited while that process is ongoing — a procedure that, including possible appeals, may take at least a year.

Movlaev’s legal team also confirmed they plan to meet with the Prosecutor General in Astana in the near future. For now, they say, he is in good health and spirits.

He’s receiving support — people are bringing him care packages to the detention center. He’s grateful to everyone who hasn’t stayed silent, said Rena Kerimova.

Movlaev was detained on May 13 at Almaty’s Esentai Mall at the request of Russian authorities. 

Original Author: Aliya Askarova

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