The attempted kidnapping of Khizrieva highlighted the security concerns of women fleeing Chechnya.

Girls who fled domestic violence in Chechnya risk facing persecution from relatives in any region of Russia or in neighboring countries, even months after their escape, human rights activists commented on the attempted kidnapping of Aishat Khizrieva in Siberia.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," 21-year-old Aishat Khizrieva, who had fled Chechnya, was stopped in Novosibirsk by unknown individuals who identified themselves as police officers and attempted to take her away. They claimed the girl was accused of theft, but police did not confirm that she was missing. Aishat filed a complaint about the stalking and attempted kidnapping, stating that she was in danger within her family. On April 23, it was reported that Aishat Khizrieva left the country after learning that security forces weren't officially looking for her and no theft complaint had been filed against her.

Saida Sirazhudinova, president of the Center for the Study of Global Contemporary and Regional Issues "Caucasus. World. Development," Ekaterina Neroznikova, coordinator of the Marem movement, Marina Agaltsova, and Chechen blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov (included in the register of foreign agents), commented on Aishat Khizrieva's situation to the "Caucasian Knot."

In such situations, the degree of threat must be immediately assessed, noted Saida Sirazhudinova.. "Some people simply need to talk to their parents and resolve the issue. That's the best and most reliable option. But if there's a threat, some may simply move to another region. However, if a person understands that the persecution will continue, it's better to contact human rights activists to avoid risks," she said.

According to her, the police can help, but only if they're from a different region. The "human factor" also plays a role—whether a particular officer will sympathize with the girl. "You can never predict accurately. Secondly, you can't hide in the police station for long. And here the question arises: what to do next," Sirazhudinova pointed out.

11:24 26.02.2026

Human rights activists have launched a fundraiser to help a fugitive from Dagestan

A Dagestani woman who escaped domestic violence and prevented an attempted kidnapping of a Chechen girl in Yerevan by her family needs help, as her identity has been compromised.

She believes that publicity and publications often help. "And they serve as a guarantee of protection. But this is a last resort. Making a publication without threats could mean attracting them. There's no single answer to all these questions. Situations vary. The best thing is to seek support within the family. Dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding. If that doesn't work, then a lot depends on a whole range of circumstances. And they vary," Sirazhudinova concluded.

Ekaterina Neroznikova also believes that situations vary, and there's no single solution. "There's no one-size-fits-all approach for every person. But publicity can be given when it's clear the situation is already very life-threatening. But even that's actually difficult to understand. For example, Aishat Khizrieva: she herself asked that what was happening to her be made public. Therefore, we published information about the threats because it was her decision. It's important that this is the girl's own wish. And if she says we shouldn't publish anything, we won't publish anything, even if we understand it could help," Neroznikova said.

Since there are no standard situations, protective measures are taken differently and at different times, she pointed out. "When girls leave home, there's always the risk of being pursued by relatives, or of being kidnapped. But this might not happen immediately, but rather after some time—as happened, for example, with Sedaya Suleimanova. By the time she was detained, as far as I remember, she hadn't lived in Chechnya for over a year. So everyone faces this risk, and it's a long-term one," the human rights activist said.

If you're a fugitive, and your relatives are interested in finding you, then any region will be dangerous for you.

She emphasized that no region in Russia is the least dangerous for fugitives. "They are all dangerous. Because if you are a fugitive and your relatives are interested in finding you, then any region will be dangerous for you. Seda lived in St. Petersburg: it would seem, please go to the cops, ask them for help. But, nevertheless, these same cops handed her over to Chechen law enforcement. And considering what happened to Ayshat Baimuradova (Ayshat Baimuradova, a native of Chechnya, fled from domestic violence and was killed in Yerevan. - Note of the "Caucasian Knot") or Aliya Ozdamirova (Aliya Ozdamirova, who fled Chechnya due to threats from her family, was taken out of Georgia and buried three days later in Chechnya. - Note of the "Caucasian Knot" "node," one can now confidently say that this violence against women who run away from home is also transnational," Neroznikova said. In her opinion, there are no safe regions of Russia or even safe neighboring countries for runaways. "Unfortunately, everything here depends on how important it is for the family, for whatever reason, to ensure that this girl or woman no longer causes them problems," the human rights activist noted.

09:33 18.04.2026

Human rights activists have recorded a surge in requests for assistance in the North Caucasus

Human rights organizations, including those assisting women in the North Caucasus republics, have recorded an increase in requests for assistance. They believe this is due both to the worsening situation in the country and to women's greater willingness to fight for their rights.

As an urgent measure, you can contact a human rights organization that provides assistance in such cases, she noted. "You can contact us, for example. You can contact lawyers who handle cases involving police violence. In such a situation, you can try contacting the Committee Against Torture (an organization included in the register of foreign agents) or the Investigative Committee SOS (an organization included in the register of foreign agents). In general, it's better to contact those who can help you develop some kind of action plan. I wouldn't recommend anyone try to get out of this situation on their own." "Neroznikova concluded.

Having a lawyer and persistence in defending your rights can also help, noted lawyer Marina Agaltsova.

"I had a case where we sought state protection because my client's ex-partner threatened to beat her, and we had to force the system to work, that is, file a huge number of complaints. And even to higher authorities. I don't know how applicable my experience is here, but we managed to make the system work. The girl was provided with protection and a security guard. "The incident took place in Dagestan," she said.

In Chechnya, the Khizriev name isn't associated with any specific teip, reported blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov.

"These could be people with the same last name from different clans. It's difficult to say how widespread it is overall, but the name Khizri, from which the family name derives, is not uncommon," he explained.

As a reminder, domestic violence in Dagestan, Ingushetia, and Chechnya affects women of all ages, but it's mostly young women under 30 who try to escape it, human rights activists from the Ad Rem team noted in their report. The problem of evacuating victims of domestic violence is most acute in these regions, as authorities and security forces there side with domestic abusers.

In June 2023, the BBC released a documentary, "When I Escaped," about young women from the North Caucasus who managed to escape the control of their families. For victims of domestic violence, escape often becomes the only chance to save their lives, human rights activists emphasized.