Mihail Baturin: ‘hope Armenia won’t hand over Georgian fighter to terrorist state’

Mihail Baturin, founder of the tactical unit Sarang, has expressed concern over the possible extradition of Georgian citizen Giorgi Kinoiani from Armenia to Russia, urging Yerevan to act in line with democratic values.

“The decision is now in Armenia’s hands. We will see whether they stand on the side of the civilised world or on the side of terrorists. I hope Armenia will decide as it is accepted in the civilised world and will not hand over a Georgian fighter to a terrorist state,” Baturin said.

He stressed that Kinoiani, as a Georgian citizen, should be protected under Georgia’s constitution. “Civil society is already addressing the Foreign Ministry with letters. We have also sent notifications to our partners and Europol. This would be a disaster if extradition happens,” he noted.

Baturin added that while he does not personally know Kinoiani, he has heard “only positive things” about him and hopes he will return safely to Georgia.

Kinoiani, 29, who reportedly fought in Ukraine against Russia, was detained by Armenian authorities on September 3 at the Georgian-Armenian border. He is currently under a 40-day extradition custody pending a possible request from Moscow.