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.

Последние новости
A mathematician detained in Armenia will not be extradited to Russia
Human rights
A mathematician detained in Armenia will not be extradited to Russia
14 June 2026

A decision on whether to extradite mathematician and blogger Mikhail Verbitsky, detained in Yerevan, to Russian authorities will be made soon. He is expected to be released soon, according to Artur Sakunts, head of the Yerevan-based human rights organization Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Vanadzor.
In the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, a prisoner was fined for using the word
Human rights
In the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, a prisoner was fined for using the word "haram" in reference to the "SVO"
14 June 2026

In the Chegem district of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, a local court fined Alibek S., serving a sentence in Correctional Colony No. 1 in the village of Kamenka. The charge was based on a charge of discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, under an article of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
An Azerbaijani opposition figure blames Aliyev's dictatorship for the country's social problems
Politics
An Azerbaijani opposition figure blames Aliyev's dictatorship for the country's social problems
13 June 2026

Azerbaijani opposition activist Gulu Mehmedli harshly criticized the country's current leadership. He emphasized the rising incidence of cancer and the dire socioeconomic situation.
A passion for Russian classics landed Georgian citizens in a French prison
Society
A passion for Russian classics landed Georgian citizens in a French prison
13 June 2026

In France, six Georgian citizens received prison sentences ranging from 18 months to seven years on charges of stealing rare books by Russian writers from European libraries.