Kazakhstan clears way to extradite Chechen activist Mansur Movlaev to Russia, rights advocates to push for sanctions against Astana

Kazakhstan has cleared the path for the extradition of Chechen activist Mansur Movlaev to Russia, following a recent court decision, according to Margarita Kuchusheva, a consul with the Russian Antiwar Committee. The Kazakh cassation court upheld the denial of Movlaev's asylum application, leaving authorities in Kazakhstan with the authority to proceed with the extradition.

Although emergency measures imposed by the United Nations remain in effect, Kuchusheva has urged Kazakhstan not to extradite Movlaev to Russia, emphasizing the potential serious violation of international obligations. The Kazakh Prosecutor General's Office approved Movlaev's extradition in early 2026, and the Cassation Court for Administrative Cases has confirmed the lower courts' ruling that denied him asylum.

Human rights advocates working on Movlaev's case fear that Kazakh authorities could extradite the Chechen activist at any time, pending agreement with Russia on the crossing point for his transfer. Even if an appeal is filed with the Supreme Court, the extradition is not suspended, and there is no guarantee that the Supreme Court will agree to review the case.

If Kazakh authorities proceed with the extradition, rights advocates plan to push for sanctions against Kazakhstan, including personal sanctions against judges and prosecutors. Human rights lawyers and activists have called on Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to halt the extradition, release Movlaev, and allow him to travel safely to third countries, given the severe consequences he faces in Russia, including torture and death.