A 26-year-old woman from Chechnya, Seda Suleymanova, who was incarcerated in St. Petersburg, has been transferred to her relatives in Grozny, Chechnya, without being afforded the opportunity to consult with legal counsel. This alarming situation, reported by the human rights group SK SOS, raises concerns of potential honor killing.
The lawyers representing Suleymanova traveled to Grozny in an attempt to locate her after the St. Petersburg police announced her transfer to law enforcement in Grozny. However, their efforts to meet with her at the police department in Grozny’s Akhmatovsky district were fruitless. They were informed that Suleymanova would arrive in the evening but were ultimately unable to speak with her.
According to SK SOS, Suleymanova, who was initially detained on August 23, was interrogated as a suspect in a theft case before being handed over to her aunt and uncle. Shockingly, her lawyers assert that she was coerced into writing a refusal for legal assistance.
The distressing chain of events began when Suleymanova’s partner, Stanislav Kudryavtsev, was confronted by several men outside their residence one evening upon returning from work. Two individuals identified themselves as police officers and displayed their identification, while the remaining two were described as Chechens in civilian dress. Showing Kudryavtsev a photo of Suleymanova, they compelled him to open the door to their apartment. Subsequently, both Suleymanova and Kudryavtsev were taken to the police station.
According to law enforcement officials, Suleymanova was under suspicion of stealing jewelry valued at 150,000 rubles (approximately $1,580). Nevertheless, Suleymanova denies any involvement in the alleged theft. While Kudryavtsev was later released, Suleymanova was reportedly taken to the airport, where her lawyers were unsuccessful in locating her at Pulkovo airport.
Human rights advocates are deeply concerned that, in Chechnya, Suleymanova could become a victim of an honor killing orchestrated by members of her own family. It is crucial to note that she fled from Chechnya due to her family considering her insufficiently religious. In February 2023, her relatives attempted to abduct her, but with the assistance of human rights advocates, she managed to escape. Subsequently, she changed jobs and residences while remaining in St. Petersburg.
This distressing case highlights the need for urgent action to ensure the safety and well-being of Seda Suleymanova. Human rights organizations, both national and international, must continue to advocate for her protection and actively work towards preventing honor killings and other forms of violence against women. The authorities in Chechnya should be held accountable to ensure her fundamental rights are safeguarded and that she has access to legal representation throughout any proceedings.
