At a meeting of the committee on science, education, innovative development, information technology, and culture, Deputy Foreign Minister Almaz Imangaziev reported that approximately 1,200 citizens of Kyrgyzstan are in Russian prisons.
Imangaziev noted that a significant portion of those convicted were sentenced for crimes related to the illegal drug trade.
In collaboration with the General Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working on the issue of extraditing these citizens back to Kyrgyzstan.
“Since 2022, there has been an increase in the number of requests regarding extradition, which indicates that citizens wishing to return are actively submitting applications. We are starting the process in accordance with established norms,” he added.
Furthermore, the deputy minister emphasized that changes to the legislation have been made to expedite extradition, which allowed for the return of about 300 Kyrgyz citizens from Russia in 2025.
Kyrgyz diplomats, working together with representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and diasporas in Russia, are actively conducting informational and educational work on drug-related cases.
Regular meetings of consuls with the convicted also contribute to clarifying legal aspects and procedures.
“Unfortunately, the level of drug-related crimes remains high. Some citizens commit such crimes out of ignorance, while others do so knowingly. Nevertheless, work in this area continues,” concluded Imangaziev.
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