Anas Kishmaria`s comment on the statement by Alexander Ionov, member of the Presidential Human Rights Council of Russia
13 February 2026
On February 12, 2026, Alexander Ionov, member of the Human Rights Council in an interview with “Vzglyad” newspaper, commenting on the Sochi court`s decision to remand seven citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia in absentia, stated, among other things: "Abkhazia must commit to extraditing individuals suspected or accused of committing criminal offenses"
In this regard, I consider it necessary to remind everyone that, in accordance with Article 27 of the Constitution and current criminal procedure legislation, citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia enjoy immunity from extradition to a foreign state. Similar norms and principles are also common to the legislation of other countries, including the Russian Federation.
In the interview, Alexander Ionov also stated "Abkhazia`s special services are obligated to make every possible effort to detain and arrest these individuals"
In this regard, it should be noted that, according to officially published information, law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Abkhazia are conducting appropriate work regarding the events in which Russian citizens I. Reva, P. Timofeev, and D. Budykin were recognized as victims.
In light of the above, I consider it appropriate to remind everyone of the importance of refraining from statements that contribute to premature conclusions regarding the guilt of individuals suspected or accused of committing crimes and that negatively impact the principle of procedural independence of law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Abkhazia.
In this regard, I consider it necessary to remind everyone that, in accordance with Article 27 of the Constitution and current criminal procedure legislation, citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia enjoy immunity from extradition to a foreign state. Similar norms and principles are also common to the legislation of other countries, including the Russian Federation.
In the interview, Alexander Ionov also stated "Abkhazia`s special services are obligated to make every possible effort to detain and arrest these individuals"
In this regard, it should be noted that, according to officially published information, law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Abkhazia are conducting appropriate work regarding the events in which Russian citizens I. Reva, P. Timofeev, and D. Budykin were recognized as victims.
In light of the above, I consider it appropriate to remind everyone of the importance of refraining from statements that contribute to premature conclusions regarding the guilt of individuals suspected or accused of committing crimes and that negatively impact the principle of procedural independence of law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Abkhazia.