Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands expresses fears for fate of Chechen Arsamikov

Wopke Hoekstra, the head Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), has called on Russian authorities to ensure the safety and observance of the rights of the Chechen Idris Arsamikov.

"I am deeply concerned about the fate of Idris Arsamikov, who was arrested at Domodedovo Airport and transferred to Grozny," the Minister wrote on the Twitter.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 16, 2023, the SK SOS Crisis Group reported that the 28-year-old Idris Arsamikov, who had returned from the Netherlands to Russia, was detained and handed over to Chechen law enforcers. Presumably, Arsamikov was taken to Chechnya, where he is in mortal danger, human rights defenders have pointed out. Then, a video was posted in social networks, in which Arsamikov stated that he was at home in Chechnya and intended to go to Ukraine to take part in the special military operation (SMO) there. In their turn, human rights defenders assert that the video record was made under duress.

The SK SOS Crisis Group has posted screenshots of Arsamikov's correspondence with the Group manager. In his messages, he complained about threats from his relatives. According to his story, last summer he was detained and beaten three times for "watching a video about LGBT on his phone" and "for having the numbers of other LGBT acquaintances there."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 9, 2021, Magomed Gadaev, a 37-year-old native of Chechnya, was deported from France. After his arrival in Chechnya, a video appeared in the social network where Gadaev claimed that he was not beaten up. This video only reinforced fears for his life, human rights defenders have pointed out.