Ex-minister in separatist Chechen government denied asylum in Germany

German authorities have refused political asylum to Apti Bisultanov, former social minister in the unrecognised secessionist government of the Chechen Republic, according to Spiegel magazine.

The magazine, quoting the rejection document, says there was suspicion Bisultanov was involved in crimes against humanity.

According to the magazine’s sources, he was involved in the use of 40,000 people as “human shields” in Grozny in 1999.

However, the denial of asylum doesn't mean Bisultanov will face extradition to Russia, as the country's immigration ministry believes he could face torture if returned.