Arsamikov's detention shows policemen's powerlessness against Chechen law enforcers

Idris Arsamikov, a native of Chechnya, who was detained at a Moscow airport, where he flew from the Netherlands aiming to visit his father's funeral, had been detained three times in Chechnya; and his documents were taken away, the SK SOS Crisis Group has informed. Policemen could not prevent Chechen law enforcers from taking away Arsamikov, same as during the detentions of Zarema Musaeva in Nizhny Novgorod and the brothers, Magamadov and Isaev, human rights defenders have noted.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 16, the SK SOS Crisis Group reported that the 28-year-old Idris Arsamikov was detained at Domodedovo Airport. Presumably, he was taken to Chechnya, where he is in mortal danger.

Idris Arsamikov returned to Chechnya in the spring of 2022. "The young man came to his father's funeral. According to the rules, refugees are forbidden to return to the country from which they fled, but there are exceptions. Due to the death of a close relative, Idris received a permit from the Dutch authorities to travel to Russia. Leaving Chechnya again turned out to be more difficult," says the Crisis Group's publication.

The natives of Chechnya, who have received protection in Europe, return to Chechnya to funerals of relatives, despite the risks, said David Isteev, the head of the SK SOS Crisis Group. "They are aware of these risks, but emotions take precedence over reason. The family is of great importance for Chechens, even if that very family was ready to kill a person," Mr Isteev has stated.