Kazakhstan to extradite Russian activist linked to Navalny

According to the Anti-War Committee, Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General has approved the extradition of activist Yulia Yemelyanova to Russia. Russian authorities accuse her of stealing a phone, reports Ulysmedia.kz.

The order for her extradition was reportedly issued on January 29. Human rights defenders and her lawyers only learned of the decision following a visit to the detention centre. Emelyanova’s legal team intends to appeal, noting that Kazakh authorities are still considering her request for political asylum.

Yemelyanova, a Russian activist, was granted a certificate of political asylum in Kazakhstan last September. She was detained on August 31 while transiting through Almaty airport after being placed on an international wanted list at Russia’s request.

In Russia, she faces charges of phone theft. Yemelyanova and human rights groups claim the case is politically motivated, arguing that she is being persecuted for her activism. Before leaving Russia in 2022, she was active in Alexei Navalny’s campaign offices.

By Vugar Khalilov