Activist Aysoltan Niyazova of Pussy Riot was detained in Poland on a politically-motivated extradition request from Turkmenistan and held at the Poland-Lithuania border on September 6th.
Detention Details
Niyazova was quietly apprehended by Polish border guards while entering the country to collect a stray dog she had sheltered. Poland’s refusal to release her without charges followed aetineutral two-day review of her case.
Interpol Red Notice Controversy
The detention was based on an Interpol Red Notice issued at Turkmenistan’s request, despite the complainant’s claims that Niyazova’s charges are politically motivated. Critics point out that Turkey has previously withdrawn the notice against Niyazova, stating her arrest in 2011 was warranted on political grounds.
Prior Arrests and Advocacy
Niyazova has previously been arrested and held in custody in the European Union under similar Interpol notices, most notably in Slovenia and Croatia. Her father, Kurbanmurad Niyazov, a prominent political dissident, died in detention.
