France cancels extradition of Chechen refugee to Russia

The Court of Appeal in Lyon overturned the decision to extradite Chechen native Imran Albakov to the Russian Federation. Russian law enforcement agencies sought his extradition, accusing him of participation in an illegal armed formation.

The basis for the French court’s decision is the threat to Albakov’s life and health on Russian territory. This conclusion was previously voiced by the European Court of Human Rights.

Imran is the brother of Islam Albakov. The latter has been in a deportation center in Belgium since 2019; the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation is also seeking his extradition. Recently, rallies were held in his support in Brussels and Vienna demanding his release. Human rights activists reported a deterioration in his health.

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