Russia Requests Extradition of Chechen Man Arrested in TRNC from Cyprus

Russia has requested the extradition of a 35-year-old Chechen-born Russian passport holder from Cyprus. The man was arrested in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and handed over to the UN at a checkpoint into the Republic of Cyprus, based on an arrest warrant and a red notice issued by the Russian Federation.

According to Phileleftheros, the detained Chechen is accused of terrorism and participating in combat units in violation of Russian law. The initial court hearing in the Nicosia District Court is scheduled for September 2. Until then, the suspect will remain in custody.

It is alleged that the detainee was involved in activities of an extremist Islamic organization recognized internationally as a terrorist group, engaging in armed conflict in the Middle East.

Investigators claim that the suspect had recently been in an Arab country before moving to Turkey and then to the TRNC, where he was arrested by the police and subsequently handed over to Cypriot authorities.

Furthermore, it is alleged that the 35-year-old man had previously been arrested in the TRNC in December of last year. Local news sites reported that he was wanted by Russian authorities as a member of ISIS, accused of attempting to recruit fighters from Russia.

According to the law, before the extradition process begins, documents related to the international and local arrest warrants, as well as evidence upon which the Russian Federation is seeking the suspect, must be presented in court. The competent minister (of justice) is also involved in the process, as such cases require their consent.

Extradition of fugitives to third countries is carried out based on bilateral agreements between countries.

The initial court hearing in the Nicosia District Court is scheduled for September 2. Until then, the suspect will remain in custody.