Kazakhstan: Rights Activists Secure Safety of Chechen Woman

Elza Soltaeva has confirmed she is safe, according to Orda.kz. Russian human rights activist Svetlana Anokhina shared a video update about her situation.

The 24-year-old Chechen woman, who had endured years of domestic violence from both her father and later her husband, left home on February 3. She was detained by police several days later in Dossor village, Atyrau region of Kazakhstan. The regional police department confirmed the detention to Orda.kz.

Vladislav Khorev, an activist who helped her cross the border, was also detained. Elza's relatives, whom she had fled from, learned of their location and began traveling to Kazakhstan. The young woman feared for her life.

According to human rights defenders, the police initially planned to transfer Elza to another police station for a supposed meeting with her relatives.

However, she was released thanks to her lawyer's efforts and public attention to the case. 

Elza and Vladislav spent nearly 24 hours traveling to a safe location, with police vehicles escorting them throughout the journey.

Elza is now in a safe place. We cannot share any details, but we're very happy that she can finally get some rest, eat, and recover. She has a lot ahead of her, but for now, she can breathe easier, Svetlana Anokhina wrote on her Instagram.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova