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A Chechen national, Zelimkhan Murtazov, has been stranded in the transit zone of the Astana International Airport for 56 days, raising concerns about his fate. He is appealing to be allowed to travel to a safe European country or to seek asylum, as he fears being forcibly conscripted into military service if he is returned to Russia.

Life in Transit

According to Murtazov, he was pressured into signing a three-year contract with the 'Akhmat' unit in August 2022 and subsequently sent to the conflict zone in Ukraine. After taking leave, he returned home on October 20th and traveled to Kazakhstan a few days later, residing there for several months.

His situation took a turn in late December when he flew to Turkey. Turkish authorities detained and questioned him before deporting him back two days later. He arrived back in Astana on the morning of December 26th and has remained in the airport's transit zone ever since.

A Citizen Without Documents

His brother, Turpal Murtazov, explained that Zelimkhan attempted to enter Kazakhstan with his internal documents, lacking a foreign passport. However, he was denied entry. Border guards reportedly checked information on his phone and concluded he had left his military unit voluntarily. Consequently, he was denied entry on grounds of national security, though no detailed official explanation was provided.

Support and Hope

During his prolonged stay, Zelimkhan has been sleeping on airport benches and relying on food from the cafe. Since his plight became public, concerned Kazakhstanis have begun bringing him clothes, food, and money. As he cannot leave the transit zone, airport staff and border guards assist in passing these items to him.

Kazakh authorities have reportedly offered him flights to Armenia, Belarus, or Kyrgyzstan. However, his family considers these options unsafe and fears he could be deported back to Russia. They are hoping for a resolution that allows him to travel to a European country. Turpal Murtazov has contacted international human rights organizations, requesting assistance in finding a safe passage for his brother.

This situation highlights the complex challenges faced by individuals seeking refuge and avoiding military conscription in conflict-affected regions.