We are pleased to inform you that on 29 September 2020, the National Asylum Court of France delivered a historical decision granting refugee status to Kazakhstani opposition leader Mukhtar Ablyazov.
Topics
- Interpol
- Extraditions
- Reforms in Ukraine
- Persecution of lawyers
- COVID-19
- "Meal For a Doctor" campaign
- Vlad Plahotniuc
- Freedom of speech
- Nursultan Nazarbayev
- Zhanaozen
- Human rights
- Igor Vinyavskiy
- Humanitarian aid
- Oppression of the opposition
- Vladimir Kozlov
- Bolat Atabayev
- Society
- Vadim Kuramshin
- Economy
- Alexandr Pavlov
- Mukhtar Ablyazov
- Muratbek Ketebayev
- Election observation
- Culture
- Alma Shalabayeva
- Tatyana Paraskevich
- Zaure Akpenbetova
- EuroMaidan
- Crimea
- Election monitoring
- Lustration
- Ukraine
- Ukrainian World
- Oleg Sentsov
- Nadiya Savchenko
- Zinaida Mukhortova
- Russia
- ATO
- Rafis Kashapov
- Chernobyl
- Nadia Savchenko
- Bota Jardemalie
- Rule of law in Poland
- Magnitsky Act
- Torture
- Polish judiciary
- EU
Topic: Extraditions
MEPs continue to appeal the Ukrainian authorities regarding Zhanara Akhmetova’s case
On May 26, 2020, seven MEPs addressed Ukrainian President Zelensky, Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova and the Head of the State Migration Service Maksym Sokoliuk with an appeal demanding the reevaluation of Zhanara Akhmetova’s asylum application and halting her extradition. Ms Akhmetova – a Kazakhstani journalist and oppositionist – and her 12-year-old son risk deportation from Ukraine as a consequence of the Supreme Court’s decision on May 14, 2020, which overturned its previous instance and rejected her asylum application.
The Case of Zhanara Akhmetova: Ukraine Is in Haste to Arrest and to Extradite Kazakhstani Journalist
A prominent Kazakhstani journalist and opposition activist Zhanara Akhmetova could be illegally extradited from Ukraine to Kazakhstan at any time. According to our sources, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine is already preparing to place her under extradition arrest. On 19 May 2020, Akhmetova got a decision by the Supreme Court of Ukraine depriving her of the chance to be granted asylum. The decision was adopted in haste during the quarantine. It was also adopted without taking into account the arguments of Akhmetova’s lawyers.
MEPs call for preventing the extradition of Kazakhstani journalist Zhanara Akhmetova from Ukraine
On May 14, 2020, the decision to grant asylum to a prominent Kazakhstani journalist and oppositionist, Zhanara Akhmetova, and her 12-year-old son, was reversed by the Supreme Court of Ukraine, acting as a last instance court. Akhmetova is one of the leaders of the country’s biggest opposition movement “Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan”.
Kazakhstani Journalist Risks Extradition From Ukraine
On May 14, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ukraine, acting as a last instance court, reversed the decision of the previous instance and declined to grant asylum to a prominent Kazakhstani journalist and oppositionist, Zhanara Akhmetova. The hearing was held without the presence of Akhmetova’s attorney. Akhmetova can be extradited to Kazakhstan anytime. If extradited, she faces torture and unfair trial. With all avenues for appeal having been formally exhausted, it is only the international community that can block the unlawful expulsion.
Statement by Ukrainian human rights defenders on the case of Zhanara Akhmetova
Zhanara Akhmetova is a Kazakhstani journalist, one of the leaders of the opposition movement “Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan” (DCK). For several years, Akhmetova and her minor son have been unsuccessfully seeking refugee status and, through this, political asylum in Ukraine.
Zhanara Akhmetova risks extradition: a test for the new authorities of Ukraine
In case of the extradition of Akhmetova, Ukraine would violate several ratified international conventions. For the new government, this case would become one of the first serious exams in the observation of the rights of refugees and extradition procedures. Will the new authorities of Ukraine pass the test in the cooperation with dictatorial regimes?
The protection of political refugees and illegal extraditions: debate in Kyiv
On 10 December 2019, in Kyiv, a discussion was held on the topic: “How to protect political refugees from illegal extraditions and misuse of interstate legal assistance?”. The event was held as part of the 4th National Human Rights Non-Conference. The Open Dialogue Foundation, the Right to Protection Charitable Foundation, the Kharkov Institute of Social Studies, and the Human Rights Agenda Coalition were among the organisers of the event.
PACE adopts ODF’s amendments to its report on INTERPOL reform and extradition proceedings
On November 29, 2019, the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) met in Strasbourg to discuss, among other items, the INTERPOL reform and extradition proceedings. A delegation of ODF, represented by Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Ana Ursachi, Moldovan lawyer and human rights defender, arrived at Palais de l’Europe to support the debate.
They’ve Come For You: Misuse of Extradition Procedures and Interstate Legal Assistance
In the present document, the Open Dialogue Foundation, the Italian Federation for Human Rights, the Arrested Lawyers Initiative, the Human Rights Defenders e.V. and the Kharkiv Institute for Social Research attempt to fill the gaps in the PACE report and propose recommendations with respect to improving cooperation among the member states of the Council of Europe in the sphere of extradition.
Ukrainian Migration Service denies asylum to victims of political persecution Zhanara Akhmetova and Ardak Ashim
On 15 March 2019, it became known that the State Migration Service of Ukraine had refused to grant refugee status to an opposition blogger from Kazakhstan, Ardak Ashim. On the same day, it became known that the Ukrainian Migration Service had again refused to grant asylum to Kazakhstani opposition j
They’ve come for you. Misuse of extradition procedures, unlawful expulsions and kidnappings of victims politically motivated prosecution
In international law, there is an unconditional ban on the extradition of persons to countries where they may find themselves at risk of torture and ill-treatment. Extradition requests issued on the basis of politically motivated prosecutions are also illegal.
Open letter to Nazarbayev: MEPs denounce human rights violations in Kazakhstan
On 12 July 2018, eight MEPs signed an open letter addressed to President Nazarbayev decrying the human rights situation in Kazakhstan. MEPs J. Stetina, P. Austrevicius, T. Kelam, W. Klinz, A. Gomes, H. Hautala, V. Mazuronis and J. Nart denounced the reduction of the space for civil liberties.
Urgent: Special services of Kyrgyzstan extradited Muratbek Tungishbayev to Kazakhstan without waiting for an appeal
On 25 June, 2018, the Kyrgyz court authorised the extradition of the well-known opposition blogger Muratbek Tungishbayev to Kazakhstan. On 26 June, 2018, late in the evening, security officers took Tungishbayev from the detention centre in an unknown direction.
Novoye Vremya: Ukraine – a trap for political refugees
When arriving in Ukraine, political refugees do not leave their problems behind; on the contrary, they face new ones.
On 22 November, the Court will consider the appeal against the extradition arrest of Zhanara Akhmetova
On 22 November 2017, at 2:00 p.m., the Kyiv Appellate Court will consider Zhanara Akhmetova’s appeal against her extradition arrest. Kazakhstani opposition journalist Zhanara Akhmetova was arrested in Kyiv at the request of Kazakhstan.
Ukraine is in haste to transfer Zhanara Akhmetova to Kazakhstan
Kazakhstani opposition journalist Zhanara Akhmetova was detained in Kiev on 21 October 2017 with gross violations of the Ukrainian legislation. On 24 October 2017, the court ruled on her temporary arrest for 18 days. In protest against the decision, Akhmetova went on a hunger strike.
The case of Zhanara Akhmetova: Ukraine once again helps the authoritarian regime to get an opposition journalist
Kazakhstan put the journalist Zhanara Akhmetova on the wanted list on the basis of a court judgement which had already become effective; according to her counsels, it is illegal. The Migration Service of Ukraine refused to grant refugee status to Akhmetova.
“Members of PACE warn Interpol of persistent violations”
On 11 October, 2017, Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) addressed the Secretary of Interpol, Mr Jürgen Stock, and the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) in a bid to warn against abusive use of the international arrest warrant.
The list of Kazakhstani political prisoners and persons subjected to politically motivated prosecution by Kazakhstan
In modern Kazakhstan, activists and journalists receive prison terms for civil and trade union activities, for public criticism of the authorities, for participating in peaceful rallies, for publishing and sharing posts on social networks, and for conducting journalistic investigations.
Spies, lies and the oligarch: inside London’s booming secrets industry
The battle over fugitive billionaire Mukhtar Ablyazov stretches from Kazakhstan to Knightsbridge
Open Democracy on Interpol reforms postulated by ODF
Non-democratic states continue to issue international arrest warrants for dissidents, journalists and political opponents. The fact that the problem is continuing to be present means that regimes adapt their conducts and ultimately the new reforms do not catch up with the reality.
“Reform of the INTERPOL: don’t let it be stopped halfway” – a debate during OSCE/ODIHR HDIM 2017
The Open Dialog Foundation, in partnership with Destination Justice held a debate “Reform of the INTERPOL: don’t let it be stopped halfway” in Warsaw on 15 September 2017, at the premises of the National Stadium (PGE Narodowy) on the occasion of the OSCE HDIM2017.
“Reform of the INTERPOL: don’t let it be stopped halfway” – a OSCE/ODIHR HDIM 2017 side event
The Open Dialog Foundation, in partnership with Destination Justice held a debate “Reform of the INTERPOL: don’t let it be stopped halfway” in Warsaw on 15 September 2017, at the premises of the National Stadium (PGE Narodowy) on the occasion of the OSCE HDIM2017.
An appeal from victims of abusive Red Notices – video
This film was prepared in cooperation with Destination Justice in order to attract attention to the problem of Interpol that is frequently misused by authoritarian regimes. It was screened at our Interpol side event during Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2017 organised by OSCE ODIHR in Warsaw
“MPs Święcicki and Wróblewska addressed INTERPOL in defense of victims of abusive Red Notices”
In two letters addressed to the Secretary of INTERPOL, Mr Jürgen Stock and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF), Members of the Polish Parliament, Mr Marcin Święcicki and Mrs Kornelia Wróblewska expressed their concern over individual cases.
“MPs Święcicki and Wróblewska wrote to the Minister of Justice of Hungary on the extradition of Y. Kadesov”
MPs Mr Marcin Święcicki (Platforma Obywatelska) and Mrs Kornelia Wróblewska (Nowoczesna Ryszarda Petru) addressed the Minister of Justice of Hungary in respect to the extradition of a Kazakh citizen, Mr Yerzhan Kadesov, who fell victim of politically motivated prosecution of Mr Mukhtar Ablyazov.
Publico: INTERPOL as a tool for political repressions
In Spain, more Turkish dissidents fall victim to the abuse by Ankara of INTERPOL mechanisms. Increasingly frequently, Turkish authorities accuse their critics of criminal offences and demand their extradition. In Granada, upon a request from Turkish authorities, the writer Dogan Akhanli was arrested
The case of Yan Andreyev: Russia once again misuses the Interpol system in order to prosecute an opposition politician
The practice of prosecuting political opponents with the help of controlled law enforcement agencies is systemic in Russia. Even in cases when political refugees have left the territory of Russia, they still cannot feel safe.
INTERPOL recognizes political motivations behind Kazakhstani Red Notice requests
The General Secretariat of the International Criminal Police Organization certified that the names of the Kazakh opposition politicians Mukhtar Ablyazov and Muratbek Ketebayev, as well as Ablyazov’s associates Tatiana Paraskevich and Alexandr Pavlov were deleted from the INTERPOL’s databases.
Report: Hungary at the service of the Kazakhstani dictator?
The extradition of Yerzhan Kadesov – how it is being carried out
Urgent: Hungary is at the service of the Kazakhstani dictator? Let’s stop the extradition of Yerzhan Kadesov
Yerzhan Kadesov is a former employee of BTA Bank; currently, he is facing extradition from Hungary. Mr. Kadesov is accused within the framework of the criminal case, carried out against the Kazakhstani opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov (the case of BTA Bank).
The ODF on a 2-days mission to the Italian Parliament discussing the reform of INTERPOL and victims of abusive Red Notices
Between Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 July, 2017, the Open Dialog Foundation met in Rome with representatives of NGOs and members of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The 2-days visit was an opportunity to discuss individual cases of victims of abusive Red Notices.
ODF addressed PACE to protect human rights in Kazakhstan
Strategic cooperation between the Council of Europe and Kazakhstan in the field of criminal and constitutional justice, human rights and democratic citizenship has so far been an essential monitoring tool in bringing Kazakhstani institutions in line with European standards.
The report: The reform of Interpol: Don’t let it be stopped halfway
Non-democratic states carry out political persecution through the Interpol system. Both human rights NGOs and intergovernmental organisations have been working on this problem for several years. Finally, the reform of Interpol got underway.
The ODF discussed abusive use of INTERPOL’s Red Notices at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
On Wednesday, 26 April, 2017, experts, politicians, NGOs and victims of abusive Red Notices gathered at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to assess current improvements and challenges of INTERPOL’s system and provide recommendations on reforms of INTERPOL.
Report: Kazakhstan pursues former top managers of BTA Bank in order to obtain their testimonies against Mukhtar Ablyazov
France recognised the political nature of the prosecution of Mukhtar Ablyazov, a longtime opponent of Nursultan Nazarbayev. The need to obtain ‘additional testimonies’ against Ablyazov led to the intensification of a ‘hunt’ for former top managers of BTA Bank.
Нuman rights defenders urge Austria to prevent extradition of Nail Malyutin
We, the Russian and Polish human rights activists, hereby urge the Ministry of Justice of Austria to prevent the extradition of Nail Malyutin to Russia until the circumstances of his case are determined by the competent authorities of the Republic of Austria.
The first meeting of the ODF with Mukhtar Ablyazov
The Kazakhstani regime, and, in particular, President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s lobbyists have done everything in their power to make the first meeting with the opposition politician particularly memorable.
Common goal: democracy. The first meeting of the ODF with Mukhtar Ablyazov
The Kazakhstani regime, and, in particular, President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s lobbyists have done everything in their power to make the first meeting with the opposition politician particularly memorable.
Open Dialogue Foundation’s 2017 season’s greetings and 2016 top achievements
As the Open Dialog Foundation, we would like to thank you for your support during the past year and wish you all the best in your professional and personal life in 2017! On this occasion we would like also to share with you some of the ODF’s top achievements of the year 2016.
Ablyazov has been released from prison. Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine continue to harass the oppositionist
On 9 December 2016, France’s State Council (Conseil d’Etat) rejected Russia’s request for the extradition of the Kazakh opposition politician and businessman Mukhtar Ablyazov. The request for Ablyazov’s extradition was recognised as politically motivated.
Russian whistle-blower Nail Malyutin at risk of extradition from Austria
On 7 December, 2016, the Higher Regional Court of Vienna (Oberlandesgericht Wien) revoked the decision of 29 July, 2015 to approve Malyutin’s extradition to Russia based on charges of incitement to murder. The court now ordered that the case of Malyutin be re-examined.
Ukraine assists post-Soviet states with the persecution of political opponents and refugees
Through illegal extraditions and violations of the rights of refugees, the Ukrainian authorities contribute towards the political persecution by Moldova, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belarus.
France has refused to extradite Mukhtar Ablyazov to Russia and Ukraine
Breaking news: France has refused to extradite Mukhtar Ablyazov to Russia and Ukraine. The decision of the French Conseil d’Etat is final. He is going to leave the arrest after 3 years.
Appeal of human rights activists of Ukraine and Kazakhstan regarding the inadmissibility of extradition of Tatiana Paraskevich from the Czech Republic
We call upon the Czech authorities to defend Tatiana Paraskevich who has been exposed to persecution as a part of politically motivated case and now faces new threats.
INTERPOL’s reform and rights of victims of politically motivated extradition requests: steps forward and emergence of new threats
In the last years, considerable criticism arose over the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), which used to be excessively passive in the wake of a growing trend of misuse of its mechanisms by authoritarian states.
Invitation for the OSCE ODIHR Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016 side-events
The Open Dialog Foundation and the Center for Civil Liberties would like to invite to the OSCE ODIHR Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2016 side-events (Sofitel Victoria Warsaw, Królewska St. 11, 00-065 Warsaw, Poland).
In their appeal to the Czech authorities, Russian human rights defenders made a stand in defence of Tatiana Paraskevich
(Translation from Russian) Supreme Public Prosecutor, of the Czech Republic, Pavel Zeman Jezuitská 4, Brno, CZ-660 55 Czech Republic, [email protected]; Head of Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic, Tomáš Haišman 21/ОАМ, Nad Štolou, 3, Praha 7, CZ-170 34 [email protected]; [email protected]; Minister of Justice of the Czech […]
The case of Tatiana Paraskevich: Through misuse of the EU’s justice system, Kazakhstan’s lobbyists seek to have Paraskevich’s asylum status revoked
Kazakhstan exerts illegal and political influence on Ukraine and Russia in the framework of the criminal case against Mukhtar Ablyazov and Tatiana Paraskevich. The Czech Republic refused to extradite Paraskevich, however, Ukraine and Russia re-submitted similar requests for her extradition.
The Open Dialogue Foundation welcomes Lithuania’s decision to deny the extradition of Syrym Shalabayev to Kazakhstan or Ukraine
On 28 June, 2016, the court in Vilnius handed down the ruling denying the requests of Kazakhstan and Ukraine regarding the extradition of Syrym Shalabayev who is a relative of the Kazakh opposition politician and political refugee, Mukhtar Ablyazov.
Report: The case of Nail Malyutin
The decision on his extradition to Russia must be reconsidered
The case of Paraskevich: Ukraine continues to collaborate with Russia and Kazakhstan on attempts to prosecute political refugees
As early as in 2014 the Czech Republic granted to Tatiana Paraskevich subsidiary protection, refusing to extradite her to Ukraine or Russia. However, in 2016, Ukraine and Russia almost simultaneously issued identical requests for Paraskevich’s extradition.
Prominent Russian human rights activists сalled for preventing the extradition of Mukhtar Ablyazov
We, the representatives of Russian human rights organisations, would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Kazakh opposition politician and political refugee Mukhtar Ablyazov is currently facing extradition from France to Russia.
Report: The role of infamous prosecutor Vladimir Guzyr in the case of Syrym Shalabayev
The participant in high-profile corruption scandals Vladimir Guzyr prepared a statement on the ‘validity’ and ‘legality’ of the request for Syrym Shalabayev’s extradition.
France to extradite Ablyazov on Moscow’s request. Mediapart about his case.
French media outlet Mediapart, founded by a former Le Monde editor, Edwy Plenel, has published an article on the case of Mukhtar Ablyazov. Mediapart, famous for its investigative journalism, described how Kazakhstan had influenced the legal proceedings in France.
Participant in corruption scandals Vladimir Guzyr prepared conclusions on the ‘lawfulness’ and ‘justification’ of Syrym Shalabayev’s extradition request
Syrym Shalabayev, a relative of the Kazakh opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov, is accused in the criminal case concerning the ‘embezzlement of funds of BTA Bank’. Human rights organisations have underlined the political context of the case.
Yegor Sobolev calls for an investigation into the corrupt acts of Ukrainian investigators in the Mukhtar Ablyazov and Syrym Shalabayev cases
On 14 January, 2016, MP Yegor Sobolev urged the General Prosecutor’s Office to carefully examine publicised incidents of abuse by Ukrainian investigators in the cases against Kazakh opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov and his relative Syrym Shalabayev.
Human rights defenders write to Lithuanian authorities in support of Syrym Shalabayev
Human rights defenders appeal to the office of the Prosecutor General, Ministry of Justice and President of Lithuania requesting recognition of political motivations behind persecution of a relative of the Kazakh dissident and urging not to allow S. Shalabayev’s extradition to Kazakhstan or Ukraine.
In a shocking decision, French Government Decrees Extradition of Kazakh dissident Mukhtar Ablyazov to Russia
12 Oct 2015 – The French government has decided to extradite Mukhtar Ablyazov, Kazakh dissident and key representative of political opposition to longtime Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, to Russia.
French Prime Minister signs extradition decree to send Kazakh dissident to Russia
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls signed a decree on September 17, ordering the extradition to Russia of Kazakh dissident Mukhtar Ablyazov.
The statement of human rights activists of Ukraine and Kazakhstan on the inadmissibility of the extradition of Syrym Shalabayev, a relative of a Kazakh opposition leader
We wish to draw your attention to the alarming fact of the prosecution of the relative of a Kazakh oppositionist in a case which is overtly characterised by political context.
Report: Political persecution of Syrym Shalabayev
Syrym Shalabayev, a relative of the Kazakh opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov, requests that Lithuania grants him political asylum and protection against extradition.
Report: Analysis of documents in the case of Ablyazov
Kazakhstan is orchestrating the Ukrainian and Russian investigations in the case of an opposition politician and applies illegal lobbying mechanisms in Europe.
French Ministry of Foreign Affairs erroneously hides behind the court proceedings when asked about Ablyazov
The French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has responded to a letter from Maddy Delvaux, currently an MEP, formerly a minister in the governments of prime ministers of Luxembourg Jacques Santer and Jean-Claude Juncker.
ODF participates in the PACE Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee hearing on misuse of Interpol and the need for stronger safeguards
Open Dialog Foundation presentation for the PACE Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee meeting in Yerevan, 19 May 2015 – hearing on politically motivated misuse of INTERPOL.
Ukrainian deputy V. Kupriy calls on the parliament and the government of France to stand up against extradition of M. Ablyazov
I am standing up for Ablyazov, asking that the politically motivated criminal case against him be closed and the Ukrainian extradition request against him be withdrawn.
Stop the extradition of the oppositionist due to the threats of torture, an unfair trial and the illegal interference of Kazakhstan
As an expression of our solidarity with human rights organisations who have published reports, members of the European Parliament and the PACE regarding the case of Ablyazov, we hereby present you with an appeal that you deny the requests for the extradition of the Kazakh opposition politician.
Legal analysis of the directions of recommended Interpol reform aimed at preventing the abuse of Red Notice mechanisms
In view of the changing reality, Interpol is forced to demonstrate its continued readiness to introduce reform and adjust its structures and procedures according to current needs. Our initiative and, at the same time, appeal addressed to legislators, is that they immediately undertake efforts in order to prevent Interpol from being used for political purposes […]
ODF participates in the PACE Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee hearing on misuse of Interpol and the need for stronger safeguards
Open Dialog Foundation presentation for the PACE Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee meeting in Yerevan, 19 May 2015 – hearing on politically motivated misuse of INTERPOL.
Report: France should not allow the deadly rendering of the Kazakh oppositionist
1. Introduction The political context of the case of Mukhtar Ablyazov has been repeatedly referred to in the statements of human rights organisations, members of the European Parliament and the PACE. Russia and Ukraine are not safe countries for extradition as these countries do not guarantee the right to a fair trial or adequate conditions […]
International community calls on France to prevent extradition of opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov
Since his arrest on the basis of a ‘red notice’, Mukhtar Ablyazov has already spent nearly two years in different detention facilities in France. Now, as the extradition trials have come to an end, the fate of the famous Kazakh oppositionist will depend on a decision by the French government.
The Interpol system is in need of reform – the press briefing
This information was aired in the Verkhovna Rada today by the MP from the All-Ukrainian Union ‘Svoboda’ [‘Freedom’], Oleg Sukhovskiy and representative of the Open Dialog Foundation, Petr Okhotin.
Petro Okhotin on the need to reform Interpol
Deputy of the Ukrainian Svoboda party, Oleg Osuhovsky, and Petro Okhotin of the Open Dialog Foundation talked at the Verkhovna Rada about the abuse of Interpol mechanisms by façade democracies such as Kazakhstan and Russia.
MEPs from Poland, Estonia and the Czech Republic in a joint appeal to the French authorities concerning Ablyazov
The MEPs Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Michał Boni (Poland), Pavel Svoboda, Tomas Zdechovsky (Czech Republic) and Tunne Kelam (Estonia) addressed an appeal to France’s highest authorities in defence of Mukhtar Ablyazov.
The list of Kazakh dissidents, their families and colleagues persecuted with the use of INTERPOL in the European Union in 2012-15
Below, we list political opponents, their families and colleagues, persecuted by the Kazakh authorities and president Nursultan Nazarbayev through the misuse of the INTERPOL system in the European Union in the years 2012-2015.
Ingancio Sanchez Amor in defence of Ablyazov: Appeal to the French government
Ingancio Sanchez Amor, addressed a letter to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the National Assembly of the French Republic, E. Guigou, requesting that it be delivered to all Committee members. In his letter, he appealed to the French government not to extradite the Mukhtar Ablyazov.
Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski appeals to Manuel Valls and Victor Shokin in the defence of Ablyazov
Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski, addressed an appeal to the Prime Minister of France, Manuel Valls and Ukraine’s Prosecutor General, Victor Shokin concerning the Kazakh dissident Mukhtar Ablyazov.
Mogherini replies to the appeal from MEPs on Kazakh dissidents
Federica Mogherini, replied to a letter from MEPs of the progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) at the European Parliament concerning mass-scale abuse of the system of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) by Kazakh authorities.
ODF appeals to the French government not to extradite Ablyazov. Matignon Palace denies the right to submit the appeal
Despite being in receipt of permission from the Prefecture, the President of the Open Dialog Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, and the Kazakh oppositionist, Muratbek Ketebayev, were denied the right to submit a letter addressed to the French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, at Hôtel Matignon.
Report: The case of Mukhtar Ablyazov in Ukraine
Illegal cooperation with the Kazakh authorities discredits the new leadership of the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies
Muratbek Ketebayev left Spain and went back to Poland. Spain rejected the Kazakh request for extradition
11.03.2015 Muratbek Ketebayev left Spain and went back to Poland, where since December 2013 he has a refugee status. It ended the procedure, through which the regime of Nursultan Nazarbayev tried to obtain Ketebayev’s extradition from Spain to Kazakhstan.
The Social Democrats intervene on Mukhtar Ablyazov’s case
On 11 March, 2015, Members of the European Parliament from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (Social Democrats), intervened in the case of Mr Mukhtar Ablyazov, Kazakh dissident and the main political opponent of the current President of Kazakhstan.
Abuse of Interpol is a practice of authoritarian states. ODF appeals to EU officials
The Open Dialog Foundation has addressed a letter to EU representatives, including the European Parliament President, Martin Schulz, and members of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) and the Human Rights Subcommittee of the European Parliament (DROI)
Female MEPs against the abuse of the Interpol system by the Kazakh authorities
The presentation of the most recent report of the Open Dialog Foundation on the need to reform the Interpol system is producing its first effects.
Alexandr Pavlov safe at last
When granting asylum to the associate of the Kazakh political opposition, the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Spain revealed the ill faith and errors his case had suffered from at the hands of courts and administrative bodies.
Tatiana Paraskevich’s international protection in the Czech Republic extended by 2 years
T. Paraskevich, ex-colleague of a Kazakh dissident Mukhtar Ablyazov, granted additional international protection in the Czech Republic for the next two years. On 18 February 2015, the Czech authorities have decided to extend by two years the protection Paraskevich first received in February 2014.
What steps does the Union intend to take in Ablyazov’s case – Polish MEPs are asking
Jan Olbrycht, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski and Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa lodged a written inquiry with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the extradition procedure ongoing with regards to Mukhtar Ablyazov.