Kazakhstan Continues Efforts to Repatriate Citizens from Iraqi Prisons — Rakhmetullin

First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Akan Rakhmetullin stated that repatriating Kazakhstan's citizens in Iraqi prisons remains highly complex, Orda.kz reports.

One obstacle, he said, is the absence of a formal agreement between Kazakhstan and Iraq on legal assistance and extradition:

Yes, the issue is indeed complex — both from a legal and humanitarian point of view. Unfortunately, we do not yet have a valid agreement with Iraq on mutual legal assistance and extradition. This document is currently being worked out,
Rakhmetullin stated on the sidelines of the Majilis. 

Another challenge is Iraqi legislation, which imposes lengthy prison sentences for terrorism-related convictions, further complicating legal procedures for returning detainees.

Kazakhstan is also working with other nations, including Russia, to explore diplomatic channels to resolve the issue.

The Foreign Ministry maintains that efforts are ongoing:

I would ask you not to think that we are doing nothing. We understand how important and difficult this topic is — we are talking about the fate of people,
Rakhmetullin emphasized. 

The matter remains under close supervision by Kazakhstan's diplomatic officials.

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov