Austria deports Chechen refugees to Russia due to "threat to national security"

Austrian authorities have deported two Chechens to Russia. The latter had previously applied for asylum after receiving summonses to Russia. The deportation was justified by Austrian officials' arguments that their presence there threatens national security, based on a police investigation into terrorism and religious extremism.

Austrian authorities also stated that the Chechens could "avoid mobilization... by settling in Moscow." In addition, according to officials, they are "too old to be subject to conscription, which applies to men aged 18 to 30." Human rights activists claim that the deportation of the Chechens is a violation of international law.

The French publication Le Monde claims that after the murder of teacher Samuel Paty in France by an ethnic Chechen, a special police group was created in Austria. She is engaged in surveillance of the behavior of people from Chechnya.

Последние новости
In Azerbaijan, an opposition figure lamented the economic downturn amid growth in neighboring countries
Politics
In Azerbaijan, an opposition figure lamented the economic downturn amid growth in neighboring countries
15 April 2026

Ali Karimli, Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), offered a critical assessment of the current economic situation in Azerbaijan. Citing official data, he stated that in the first quarter of 2026, economic growth in Georgia was 8.4%, while in Armenia it was 7.4%. In contrast, Azerbaijan's economy showed negative dynamics, contracting by 0.3%.
Oligarch Karapetyan to renounce Russian citizenship to participate in Armenian elections
Politics
Oligarch Karapetyan to renounce Russian citizenship to participate in Armenian elections
15 April 2026

Samvel Karapetyan, Russian billionaire and leader of the opposition party "Strong Armenia," who is currently under house arrest in Yerevan, has initiated the process of renouncing his Russian and Cypriot citizenships. The goal of this step is to qualify for the June 7 parliamentary elections, for which Armenian law requires only Armenian citizenship.
The arrest of journalist Roldugin is linked to revelations about the enrichment of individuals close to Kadyrov
Politics
The arrest of journalist Roldugin is linked to revelations about the enrichment of individuals close to Kadyrov
15 April 2026

The Explainer Project suggests that the arrest of investigative journalist Oleg Roldugin of Novaya Gazeta may be linked to his investigation of assets acquired by individuals close to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov following the "nationalization" of the Russian divisions of the major French dairy producer Danone. The publication's source claims that investigators are attempting to formulate charges against the journalist without disclosing the names of individuals associated with Kadyrov, which explains the lack of official information about any charges against Roldugin.
Searches at Sapa's Vladikavkaz Editorial Office: Editor-in-Chief Detained, Staff Detained by Security Forces
Human rights
Searches at Sapa's Vladikavkaz Editorial Office: Editor-in-Chief Detained, Staff Detained by Security Forces
15 April 2026

On Tuesday morning, searches were conducted at the offices of the regional publication Sapa in Vladikavkaz. According to the media outlet's website, unknown individuals in civilian clothes raided the office. After reporting the raid, the editorial staff disappeared.