Lithuania deports a Chechen man to Russia who came to the country over 20 years ago

Lithuanian authorities deported a native of Chechnya to Russia who was denied refugee status. He lived in the country for over 20 years and openly spoke out against the Russian authorities. This was reported by human rights activist Roza Dunayeva. Details. The deported Chechen man's name is Beslan, his surname is not disclosed for security reasons. He fled to Lithuania from the war in Chechnya about 21 years ago and lived in the country longer than in his homeland. He received international protection in Lithuania, started a family, and lived legally. Beslan was detained in April when he came to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to renew his residence permit. Lithuanian authorities refused to extend his refugee status and initiated deportation proceedings. According to Dunayeva, in Chechnya Beslan participated in battles against federal forces. Many members of his family were killed, and survivors were persecuted and are now "scattered around the world." Of particular concern is the fact that Beslan's case concerned legal protection measures in connection with proceedings at the European Court of Human Rights, Dunayeva said. He stated the risk of persecution and threat to his life if he returned to Russia. "We call on the Lithuanian authorities to reconsider this practice, fully comply with their international obligations, and ensure that no one is returned to where they face persecution, imprisonment, torture, or death. Justice, humanity, and the rule of law must prevail," the human rights activist stated. Similar cases. Earlier, two more natives of Chechnya were deported from Lithuania, Dunayeva said. At the same time, she claimed that in December last year, Lithuanian officials publicly assured the Chechen diaspora that natives of Chechnya would not be handed over to Russia. In addition, in March, Estonian authorities deported a Chechen man who had sought asylum. He had been trying for many months to prove that his life was in danger, Dunayeva claims.