Zakaev's teammate tells about fate of his kidnapped nephews

In Chechnya, law enforcers continue keeping Khusein Zakaev; his younger brother Bislan has returned home. This was reported by Shamil Albakov, Honorary Consul of the self-proclaimed Ichkeria in France.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Akhmed Zakaev, who lives in Great Britain, has repeatedly reported pressure on his relatives living in Chechnya. Thus, in 2021 and 2022, his brother Ali Zakaev was forced to record video messages criticizing Akhmed; other Akhmed Zakaev's relatives were detained. On May 19, 2023, Zakaev's associates stated that law enforcers had taken two of Akhmed's nephews, Bislan and Khusein Zakaev, from their home.

According to Shamil Albakov, Akhmed's relatives were kept in the gym along with other young people, whose phones were examined by law enforcers.

Akhmed Zakaev himself said that he knew nothing about the whereabouts of his nephews. According to his story, law enforcers were interested in young people's contacts.

Ruslan Kutaev, President of the Assembly of Caucasian Nations, has suggested that the kidnapping of Zakaev's relatives could be another attempt to put pressure on Akhmed.

"They are kidnapping relatives of authorities' opponents; it is a widespread method not only in Chechnya, but throughout Russia," Oyub Titiev, a human rights defender, has stated.