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The story of Aishat Baimuradova, a young Chechen woman, is a harrowing tale that intertwines themes of familial abuse, escape, and the shadowy influence of political power in her homeland. Found dead in her apartment in Yerevan in October, Aishat’s life was marked by a desperate struggle for freedom from her violent family background, which included connections to Chechnya’s powerful leader, Ramzan Kadyrov.
Aishat, at only 23 years old, had turned to social media to express her plight, illustrating the risks she was willing to take for her autonomy. Her tragic end raises critical questions about the safety of women in Chechnya and the potential reach of Kadyrov’s regime even beyond its borders.
Aishat’s troubling background
Aishat’s early life was marred by trauma. According to human rights activists, her mother was expelled from their home during pregnancy, a precursor to the violence that would shape Aishat’s life. Following her birth, Aishat was taken from her mother by her father, who forbade any contact between them. This separation was just the beginning of her suffering.
The cycle of violence
As she grew older, Aishat became trapped in a cycle of abuse. After her father’s remarriage, she was relegated to the role of a household servant, forced to care for her stepfamily while enduring physical and emotional abuse. Reports from human rights advocates highlight that Aishat faced violence from both her father and grandfather, leading to a life filled with fear and oppression.
At the age of 17, Aishat was coerced into marrying Alsoult Seliyev, a man with connections to Kadyrov’s military forces. This marriage, described by acquaintances as a form of domestic slavery, subjected her to further brutality. Seliyev allegedly abused her regularly and employed surveillance measures to maintain control over her, creating an environment of terror.
Desperate attempts to escape
After enduring years of torment, Aishat resolved to break free from her oppressive circumstances. She attempted to flee twice but was forcibly returned to Seliyev by her relatives, who perpetuated her cycle of abuse. Seeking help, Aishat contacted human rights activists who ultimately facilitated her escape from Chechnya.
In January 2025, after a year of planning, Aishat successfully relocated to Armenia, adopting the name Alex and leveraging social media to raise awareness about the plight of women in her homeland. She shared her experiences candidly, expressing a desire to fight against the oppression she and others faced.
Emerging threats
Despite her newfound freedom, Aishat’s activism came with significant risks. Friends noted that she received numerous threats, underscoring the dangers she faced as a vocal critic of the Kadyrov regime. Her last known interactions involved a woman named Karina Iminova, who had connections to individuals affiliated with Kadyrov’s circle.
The tragic conclusion
Aishat was last seen with Iminova in mid-October, prior to her sudden disappearance. Shortly after she communicated with friends, expressing that she was safe, Aishat’s lifeless body was discovered in a rented apartment in Yerevan. Activists described the scene as horrific, with evidence suggesting that she suffered a prolonged and painful death.
While the official cause of death remains undisclosed, there are suspicions surrounding the circumstances, including potential poisoning. Surveillance footage captured Iminova leaving the scene with a man linked to Kadyrov’s inner circle, further complicating the investigation.
The investigation and wider implications
In November, Armenian authorities initiated a criminal investigation into Aishat’s murder, although the names of the main suspects are yet to be revealed. Activists fear that the involvement of Kadyrov’s associates might hinder the pursuit of justice, raising alarms about the potential suppression of the case.
Aishat’s body remains unclaimed in a Yerevan morgue, a poignant symbol of the unresolved issues surrounding her death. The only official comment from Russian authorities has been to shift blame onto human rights activists, highlighting the contentious nature of this case.
The tragic narrative of Aishat Baimuradova serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women in oppressive regimes and the far-reaching influence of political power. Her story continues to resonate, calling for awareness and action against such injustices.