Three Chechens held at Tbilisi Airport for several days before being deported
Three Russian citizens of Chechen origin, who were held in the transit zone of Tbilisi Airport for several days without explanation, have been sent away on flights to Turkey and Italy. A lawyer, who requested anonymity, told *Kavkazsky Uzel* (Caucasian Knot) that the conditions described by the men may constitute a violation of Georgian law.
One of the men was sent to Turkey on the night of October 18, while the other two were sent to Milan that same day. Later, one of those who arrived in Italy was deported to Russia because his visa had expired. The other two held residence permits for Turkey and Italy, respectively.
"No one ever explained to us why we were detained and deported," one of the passengers told *Kavkazsky Uzel*.
According to him, the detainees were provided with food only once a day and were not permitted to go outside for fresh air. When one of the men experienced a spike in blood pressure and a severe headache, a guard refused to provide him with medication for about an hour.
A Georgian lawyer explained to *Kavkazsky Uzel* that the legality of holding individuals in a transit zone depends on the grounds for their detention and the duration of the procedure. Regardless of the circumstances—even during routine document checks—authorities are obligated to ensure proper detention conditions and must not deny individuals access to legal counsel. "Judging by the accounts of these individuals, these established standards were not met," the lawyer noted.
He added that Georgian law mandates access to ventilation, natural light, and fresh air, as well as the provision of three meals a day and basic sanitary facilities. The Migration Department of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for the treatment of individuals awaiting deportation at Tbilisi Airport. For many years, Georgian border guards have denied entry to natives of the North Caucasus without providing any explanation. In 2023, former *Caucasian Knot* correspondent Zhalaudi Geriev linked such denials to discrimination based on one’s place of origin.
