Authorities in Budva have arrested Kazakhstani national Dinara Smailova following an order from the Higher Court.

Smailova is being sought by Kazakhstan, where criminal proceedings are underway against her.

She is an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Kazakhstan.

Together with her husband, Almatim Mukamedzhanov, also a human rights advocate, she founded the NeMolchiKZ Foundation (translated as No Silence), an organization dedicated to promoting the rights and freedoms of women and children, advocating for gender equality, and combating discrimination and impunity among the powerful in Kazakhstan.

“Today, officers from the Regional Security Center ‘South’ – Budva Security Department arrested Smailova, aged 56, from Kazakhstan,” they confirmed.

Smailova’s detention was in accordance with an order from the investigating judge of the Higher Court in Podgorica, following a prior extradition request from Kazakhstan for the purpose of pursuing criminal charges against her.

“She will be presented before the Higher Court in Podgorica tomorrow for further proceedings,” stated the Police Directorate in their announcement.

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