Representatives of the Chechen diaspora, led by Roza Dunaeva, recently organized protests outside Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) embassy in Vienna, demanding that BiH refuse to extradite Selima Ismailovna Khadisova to Russia. On Sunday, they have arrived in Banja Luka.

Khadisova is currently held in extradition detention in Bosnia, awaiting a decision on her asylum request or possible extradition to Russia, where she faces terrorism charges. Her legal representatives claim that Khadisova is a victim of political persecution and domestic violence. During her extradition detention, which can last up to six months, the BiH court will determine the veracity of Russia's allegations.

Tea Pokrajcic from the House of Human Rights in Banja Luka, along with lawyer Emir Gazic and the NGO Vasa Prava BiH, is representing Khadisova in this case. Speaking to N1, Pokrajcic shared details on the charges and circumstances surrounding Khadisova's detention.

“Khadisova is a victim of domestic violence who was detained on September 29, 2024, at Sarajevo International Airport under an international Interpol warrant issued by Interpol Moscow. She is accused of severe crimes, including participating in foreign illegal formations,” Pokrajcic explained.

Pokrajcic further elaborated that Khadisova came to BiH to seek asylum for herself and her minor children. After her arrest at the airport, she was separated from her children and detained in the Tuzla Penitentiary Unit, where she remains. Initially placed in a migrant center, her children were later transferred to a facility for unaccompanied minors.

“It’s essential to recognize that Khadisova is a victim of domestic violence who came here seeking a better life and security for herself and her children. BiH must not extradite her to a country where domestic violence and violence against women aren’t even criminalized. Russia, and particularly Chechnya in the North Caucasus, is known for systematically violating women’s and human rights,” Pokrajcic warned, stressing that Khadisova may face honour-related violence if returned to Russia.

Discussing the charges, Pokrajcic pointed out inconsistencies in the documents received from Russia. “The Interpol warrant claims Khadisova managed terrorist camps, conducted weapons and ammunition training. However, the extradition request received just before her potential release – as per the European Convention on Extradition – lists different allegations: that she provided medical assistance, cooked, and managed sanitation. Essentially, BiH has been misled by Russia about the severity of the crimes attributed to this woman,” Pokrajcic observed.

Pokrajcic also highlighted Khadisova’s connection to Ramzan Kadyrov’s regime through her late husband’s family, raising suspicions that the charges against her may be fabricated. She emphasized that this wouldn't be the first instance of such tactics.

“Earlier this year, two women were extradited from European countries to Russia on similar charges. Upon their return, they were either killed in honor-related attacks or confined to their homes, where they continued to suffer abuse. No legal proceedings were conducted for the alleged crimes cited in the Interpol warrants. Instead, the women faced punishment from their families, not for their alleged crimes, but for seeking safety and escaping domestic violence,” Pokrajcic noted.

She recalled that under BiH's Law on International Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, a person cannot be extradited if an asylum procedure is underway. “Khadisova expressed her intent to seek asylum immediately upon her first contact with BiH authorities. Her legal representative formally submitted her letter of intent on October 4, and we received confirmation from the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs on October 8. This process is ongoing. The BiH Court must determine that the conditions for extradition are not met. Once the Court makes this determination, the decision is forwarded to the BiH Ministry of Justice, where the Minister of Justice ultimately decides to deny extradition. Russia should then be offered the option of pursuing prosecution in BiH, allowing our judiciary to handle the case,” she explained.

If the allegations against Khadisova are genuine, Pokrajcic stated she sees no issue with her being tried in BiH, ensuring justice is served without violating her rights. However, should BiH proceed with her extradition, it would violate Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Pokrajcic concluded to N1.