Islam Belokiew, a Chechen independence activist who has resided in Poland for the past 20 years, is facing deportation. Adam Borowski, a representative of the “Gazeta Polska” club in Warsaw and honorary consul of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in Poland, disclosed this on TV Republika.
Belokiew, who arrived in Poland during the Chechen-Russian war in 2004, has been legally residing in the country under a form of humanitarian protection known as “supplementary protection.” This status is typically granted to foreigners who are at serious risk of death, torture, or other inhumane treatment if returned to their home countries.
Despite his legal status, Borowski relayed that the Office for Foreigners has initiated procedures to strip Belokiew of his protection and deport him back to Russia, essentially sending him to a highly probable death due to his involvement in the Ukrainian conflict against Russian forces. Borowski emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Belokiew’s participation in the conflict and his anti-Russian stance make his return to Russia a potential death sentence.
Belokiew has been an active participant in the Chechen independence movement and contributed significantly to the war effort in Ukraine as a spokesperson for the Chechen battalion named after Imam Mansur. Besides his combat role, he runs blogs critical of Russia, further endangering him should he be deported.
The potential deportation is seen not only as a risk to Belokiew’s safety but also as a broader attempt to intimidate the Chechen community in Poland. According to Borowski, this move could discourage the Chechen diaspora from engaging in anti-Russian activities and expressing dissent against the Russian government.
This situation mirrors that of Ahmad Zakayev, a prominent Chechen figure pursued by Russian authorities, who was detained in Poland in 2010. The unfolding scenario raises concerns about the safety and treatment of political refugees and activists seeking refuge from oppressive regimes, particularly those opposing Russia in the context of ongoing regional conflicts.