Austrian journalist Susanne Scholl has written an article about extradition threats which Chechen asylum seekers face in Austria.

Susanne Scholl pointed out in her column in the daily Austrian newspaper, “Salzburger Nachrichten” that refugees from Chechnya who are sent back are in mortal danger!

“It seems that the various semi-official Austrian delegations which visited Chechnya recently, see only the positive points. This is even more likely. Moscow’s governor, Ramzan Kadyrov knows what he needs to show Western visitors: new buildings, good food and folk dance groups. His armed guards will show up during such visits on their best behavior and remain discrete in the background. However, the Chechen reality is different.

A few days ago, in Moscow, several heavily armed members of Kadyrov’s guard were arrested on suspicion of a man’s kidnapping. Amazingly, they have been released after a while because they often have a free hand, even in Moscow, as well as in Chechnya, anyway. There is no one who can dare contradict or even level complaints against Kadyrov’s men. A house, a car or a woman… Who stands close to the power in Chechnya can take what they want without fear of consequences. They rob and murder with impunity, because they feel safe. In Chechnya, Moscow’s acquiescence prevails with the law of the jungle. Who belongs to the clan of Kadyrov can do what he wants. But woe to those who oppose Moscow’s governor Kadyrov or have worked sometime for his enemies…” wrote Mrs. Scholl.

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