Human rights defenders consider it dangerous for Leyla Gireeva to stay in Russia

The defence of Leyla Gireeva, a native of Ingushetia, who escaped from domestic violence, has not yet received a response to a complaint in connection with a complaint filed by her relatives about the theft, her lawyer said. The police often cannot protect victims of domestic violence from persecution by their relatives, and in such cases, it is better for young women to go abroad, human rights defender Aida Mirmaksumova notes.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that 18-year-old Leyla Gireeva filed a complaint to the police about violence from her parents. The criminal case on the theft of jewellery has been instituted against Leyla Gireeva after the complaint of her mother, who is seeking the return of her daughter, the defence emphasizes.

The parents continue to put pressure on Leyla Gireeva, says Alexandra Miroshnikova, a spokesperson of the “SK SOS Crisis Group”.

“Besides, the girl’s relatives have connections that they can use,” Alexandra Miroshnikova said. According to her, sometimes the departure from Russia is the only right decision for young women.

It is better for victims of domestic violence who are persecuted by their relatives to leave Russia, emphasizes Aida Mirmaksumova, the head of the “Fathers and Daughters” project.

“There are options to escape from Russia with only an internal passport. For example, to Armenia or Kazakhstan. The choice is small, but there is the choice,” Aida Mirmaksumova said.

At the same time, according to her, victims of domestic violence need to try to be as careful as possible.

Furthermore, according to Aida Mirmaksumova, publicity is always useful. “It doesn’t matter if victim’s relatives are influential or not. The victim should shout about the problem so loudly that it will be heard in all countries,” the head of the “Fathers and Daughters” project emphasized.