The Administrative Court has rejected an appeal by a Russian national and upheld a government decision to declare him a prohibited immigrant, clearing the legal path for his deportation to face terrorism charges in Russia.
In an announcement released on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, the Law Office confirmed that the court validated the detention and deportation orders issued against the applicant. The man, who had entered the Republic of Cyprus illegally through the Turkish-occupied north, was arrested at the Ledra Street checkpoint in Nicosia. His arrest was executed based on a provisional warrant after he was identified as the subject of an international “Red Notice” issued by Russian authorities for alleged involvement in terrorism.
Asylum plea dismissed as security risk
While extradition proceedings were pending, the Russian national submitted an application for international protection. This request was subsequently rejected by the Asylum Service, which concurrently issued a return order to Russia. The Law Office argued that the applicant’s continued presence in the Republic constituted a significant threat to public order and national security.
The Administrative Court agreed with the position of the Attorney-general, ruling that the filing of a subsequent asylum claim does not grant an automatic or independent right of residence. The court also drew a sharp distinction between extradition law and international protection procedures, dismissing the applicant’s claim that the withdrawal of a formal extradition request should entitle him to refugee status.
Non-refoulement claims rejected
A central element of the appeal involved the principle of “non-refoulement,” with the applicant claiming he would face torture or inhumane treatment if returned to Russia. However, the court ruled that the applicant failed to meet the burden of proof required to substantiate a real risk to his life or physical integrity.
The case was litigated on behalf of the Attorney-general by Katia Hadjidemetriou, Senior Counsel of the Republic.