Two young Chechen asylum seekers from different parts of France are at risk of extradition to Ukraine and Russia.

According to information from the website Ichkeria.info, on February 19, 2011, at around 15.00, Muslim Deniyev, a Chechen refugee, was arrested in the Pau commune of France. His arrest occurred on the weekend, so legal assistance could not be provided for Muslim. On Monday, lawyers were not interested in the case due to their beliefs that there is no chance to win. Muslim Deniyev was granted asylum already, is married and also has three children, one of which is disabled. Muslim’s wife learned from the police that Muslim was arrested because of an extradition demand from Ukraine. Muslim is at a prison in Pau at the moment.

The second case is from Strasbourg. The website L’Alsace has reported that Musa Aliyev, a 20-year old Chechen asylum seeker, was arrested by local police while he was walking on a bike path. Aliyev was immediately sent to the deportation center in Geispolsheim. According to stated information, he was arrested because of the rejection of his asylum application by French authorities. Musa is fully integrated to social life in France. He is able to speak fluent French and until now, had worked at various temporary jobs. The asylum procedure for Musa’s mother and siblings still continue. His little brother is studying in 5th grade and his sister is just 2-years old. However, it must be noted that Musa’s father was a freedom fighter. His father fought against the Russian invaders in the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria and died. Thus, if he is extradited to Russia, his life will be in real danger.

*Text was translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco