Murtazov's safety in Armenia has raised concerns among relatives and human rights activists.

Armenian law enforcement agencies have no complaints against Zelimkhan Murtazov, a native of Chechnya, who arrived in Yerevan after four months in the transit zone of Astana airport. However, his family and human rights activists believe it is premature to consider him safe.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," Zelimkhan Murtazov, a native of Chechnya, who arrived in Astana in December, was forced to spend a long time in the airport's transit zone. Kazakhstan refused to consider his asylum application. According to his brother, Zelimkhan deserted from military service, so returning to Russia threatens him with imprisonment and torture. Kazakh authorities tried to force Murtazov to leave the transit zone voluntarily, but due to the lack of a passport, he could only fly to countries where the risk of extradition to Russia is high. On April 21, it became known that Murtazov managed to leave Kazakhstan, flying to Armenia.

The opening of direct flights with Armenia helped Zelimkhan Murtazov

Lawyer Rena Kerimova, who, along with another lawyer, Elena Zhigalenok, assisted Zelimkhan Murtazov in Kazakhstan, said that the opening of direct flights between Astana and Yerevan played a decisive role in his ability to leave the airport transit zone.

"Yes, we helped him in Kazakhstan and visited him while he was in the airport transit zone. He flew to Armenia on April 20 because that was the day the direct Astana-Yerevan flight opened. "Before that, there were no direct flights, and he couldn't fly to another country with his internal Russian passport," she told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

They bought tickets, he boarded the plane, and flew safely to Yerevan, she noted.

"There were no obstacles from Kazakhstan. It's just that his passport was confiscated in Turkey, so there were few options. And ultimately, the opening of a direct flight to Yerevan became his only way to leave the transit zone of Astana Airport. Murtazov's case is one of a kind. "Kazakhstan has never seen a situation like this before," the lawyer said.

Armenian authorities have not provided guarantees for Murtazov's safety

Zelimkhan Murtazov spent four months in the transit zone of Astana Airport.

"When I boarded the plane, I felt like I was leaving my home. After all, I spent so much time there, about four months, and this place has become my home," he told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

He feels safe in Yerevan.

"I was finally able to go outside and breathe fresh air, walk down the street and move around freely. It's a really nice feeling. We're currently working on housing and will think about what to do next. For now, I'm safe in Armenia. I was warmly received," he said.

As long as Zelimkhan only has Russian documents, he's in a vulnerable position, according to his brother, Turpal Murtazov.

"We're currently trying to help him adapt to Armenia. It's hard to say he's completely safe. Everything's fine for now, but everything depends on our next steps. We'll heed the advice we've received from lawyers and human rights activists regarding security measures. But as long as he only has Russian documents, he's in a vulnerable position," he told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Armenian law enforcement agencies have no complaints against Zelimkhan.

"From a legal standpoint, there are no charges against him. He was warmly received. After his arrival, he was taken to a special room at the airport, where he was interviewed, asked about his story, why he refused to fight, how he ended up in Kazakhstan, and so on. He was treated very politely and kindly. The Armenian side demonstrated how a civilized country should behave," Turpal said.

As for security guarantees from the state, there are no clear promises or guarantees from the authorities.

"The only thing I can say at the moment is that the police advised us to always be in touch and report any problems," Turpal noted.

Human rights activist Ani Chatinyan is confident that Zelimkhan should be very careful.

"Considering what happened to Aishat Baimuradova, all those who find refuge in Armenia should be extremely cautious and attentive to what is happening around them. "They are all given certain security protocols; they are mandatory if you want to be safe and sound," he told the Caucasian Knot.

According to her, Zelimkhan should not be active on social media.

"I'm not saying that you should sit at home, not go anywhere, not communicate with anyone. But, for example, you shouldn't be active on social media. "Constantly revealing your location or visiting certain places is also not a good idea. So, all of this needs to be taken into account. And, of course, we hope that the state is working to minimize threats against such people," she noted.

Russian citizens who have moved to Armenia periodically face search warrants and extradition requests. For example, on October 21, 2024, security forces in Yerevan detained Russian citizen Roman Shklover, who is suspected in Russia of publicly justifying terrorism. In Armenia, this act is not a crime, and detention for political reasons is a gross violation of human rights, stated human rights activist Artur Sakunts. On October 22, Shklover was released.

On August 5, 2025, it became known that Russian authorities had issued a request for the extradition of Roman Shklover to Russia. In May, Kazan activist Mark Serov, who lives in Georgia and is wanted in his home country for vandalism motivated by political hatred, was detained upon entering Armenia. According to Sakunts, in recent years, Armenia has not extradited to Russia any activists persecuted in their home country for their political views.

In October 2025, it became known that Russian citizen Lilia Manyukhina, convicted after posting anti-war leaflets in Moscow, had been arrested in Armenia. Human rights activists noted that Armenia regularly rejects Russia’s extradition requests due to politically motivated persecution, but in Manyukhina’s case, the courts did not see any political motives.