The Georgian authorities must ensure that Russian citizen Denis Kulanin is not deported to Russia, where, under the current conditions of harsh repression of anti-war dissent, he may face a real risk of arbitrary persecution and imprisonment, torture, or other ill-treatment, according to a statement issued by Denis Krivosheev, Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International.

“Denis Kulanin publicly opposed Russia’s war against Ukraine and expressed support for Alexei Navalny — both acts that are considered crimes in Russia and punishable by imprisonment. The Georgian authorities must ensure that he is not deported to Russia, where, under the current conditions of harsh repression of anti-war dissent, he may face a real risk of arbitrary persecution and imprisonment, torture, or other ill-treatment,” the statement says.

According to the organization, Georgia is obliged to uphold the principle of non-refoulement.

“Georgia is obliged to uphold the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the transfer of any person to a country where they face a real risk of serious human rights violations. The Georgian authorities must also ensure that Denis Kulanin is able to effectively seek international protection, including by voluntarily traveling to a safe third country,” the statement notes.

For reference: Denis Kulanin is a Russian-born activist who lived in Georgia. He was arrested on 28 March 2025. He was charged under Article 187, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which concerns damage to another person’s property. According to the charge, he damaged a police vehicle. Denis Kulanin was sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment. President Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned nine convicts who had participated in protest rallies: Daniel Mumladze, Guram Khutashvili, Fridon Bubuteishvili, Denis Kulanin, Saba Jikia, Davit Khomeriki, Tornike Mchedlishvili, Simon Makharadze, and Avtandil Topchishvili. Denis Kulanin is currently held in detention at the Migration Department pending deportation from Georgia.

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