Georgian citizen faces possible extradition to Russia from Armenia after fighting in Ukraine

Armenian border guards have detained a Georgian citizen, 29-year-old Giorgi Kinoiani, who is wanted by Russia for taking part in the war in Ukraine against Russia.

Kinoiani was arrested on September 3 while crossing from Georgia into Armenia. According to his brother, Vako Kinoiani, Armenian officers stopped him at the border after a database flagged him as wanted by Russia. He was first taken to a police station, then to a pre-trial detention facility. On September 5, late in the evening, an Armenian court imposed a 40-day extradition custody.

The Georgian office of the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports the family of Kinoiani fears that he faces inhumane treatment and even a threat to his life if extradited to Russia. “Since the court decision, we have had no information about him, including from lawyers,” his brother told the media organisation.

According to the defense, Russia has been officially informed of the detention. Within the 40-day period, Moscow must submit a formal extradition request to Armenia. If this happens, the Armenian court could quickly rule on the extradition.