We, participants in the conference “Deportation of Peoples – an Imperial Crime of Genocide,” dedicated to the 82nd anniversary of the forced deportation of the Chechen and Ingush nations, which took place on 23 February in the Lviv Regional Council building, appeal to the leadership and competent judicial authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a strong call to prevent the extradition of Mansur Movlaev at the request of the Russian Federation and to ensure his right to a defence in accordance with international standards.
Mansur Movlaev is a Chechen human rights defender and opposition activist who openly criticises widespread human rights violations in the Chechen Republic. Due to his peaceful activities, he has become a target of repressive actions by the regime of Ramzan Kadyrov. The criminal cases against Mansur Movlaev in the Russian Federation (in particular, under articles of “extremism” and the financing of terrorism) are politically motivated, as confirmed by human rights organisations.
Movlayev was detained in Kazakhstan in May 2025, and his refugee status was denied in December 2025. The prosecutor’s office approved the extradition decision on January 30, 2026, and an appeal hearing in the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan is scheduled for 24 February 2026.
Mansur Movlayev’s extradition to the Russian Federation would expose him to a high risk of death, torture, or unlawful imprisonment. It would violate Kazakhstan’s international obligations, potentially seriously damaging its reputation with the UN and other international institutions.
We call on the leadership of the Republic of Kazakhstan to demonstrate its commitment to international human rights standards:
1. Deny Mansur Movlayev’s extradition to the Russian Federation, taking into account all the circumstances during the appeal to the Supreme Court.
2. Provide him with appropriate legal protection, refugee status, or the opportunity for unimpeded and safe departure to a safe third country.
3. Take into account the requests of international organizations regarding the suspension of extradition.
Sincerely,
on behalf of the conference participants –
Oleh Medunytsya –
President of the Anti-Imperial Block of Nations
