Tragedy in Nice: Chechen Woman Killed by Ex-Husband

A 39-year-old Chechen woman, a mother of seven, was killed in Nice, France, allegedly by her former husband. The incident occurred in front of her three-year-old daughter, and her eldest daughter was injured while trying to protect her.

The woman, Larisa Arsanukaeva, was attacked on November 4 by Bashir Alibiev, also of Chechen descent. He reportedly stabbed her as she returned home with two of her children. Arsanukaeva’s eldest daughter attempted to stop the attack, but she too was injured and hospitalized. Alibiev was apprehended at the scene.

Reports state that Alibiev had a history of domestic violence charges, but a French court acquitted him in 2024 and granted him custody of five of their children.

Arsanukaeva’s friend said that the woman felt defenseless in a foreign country. She had reportedly received threats from her ex-husband and his family and had contacted the police multiple times.

The Chechen diaspora in France has expressed outrage and solidarity following the tragedy. A protest was held in Nice to honor Arsanukaeva and to speak out against domestic violence. One representative from the diaspora said cases of violence were not isolated, and that women didn't report because they fear losing their children.

Cultural and social barriers can make women vulnerable. A diaspora figure says that women rely on the community, and men frequently make such choices for them. After hearing her, they issue the judgment: This is a family matter.

The prosecutor wanted a life sentence, but the court gave a 13-year term, believing that religious and cultural variables affected his actions and he wasn't fully aware of their severity. The decision sparked significant public anger in Germany.

Luiza, a Chechen woman living in France, left her husband due to beatings after five years of marriage. She says her ex-husband beat her because he was jealous.

Elina, a Chechen lady from Austria, had a similar situation. She and her husband lived apart and had four kids, but he was abusive and might beat her for any reason.

A sociologist confirms that the issue becomes acute when a woman lacks family support, protectors, or legal aid.

On November 8, Over 300 people gathered in Nice for a rally in memory of Larisa Arsanukaeva and other victims of violence.

Women who dare to complain about their husbands are often ostracized, isolated, and considered a disgrace to their families, said one attendee.

Mirmaksumova says that women from Chechnya and the North Caucasus feel unsafe in France.

Natives of the North Caucasus often only file a main courante because they fear the consequences: they believe that officially complaining can lead to conflict with relatives and condemnation.

Magamadov tried to reconcile the former spouses but, in such cases, reconciliation often means forcing the woman to return, as Mirmaksumova notes.

Many Chechen women began to speak out after the tragedy, showing solidarity and support.

There is a trend that women are no longer silent, they are not reconciling, and they are not afraid to speak.

A Daptar source notes that this is the first time domestic violence has been openly discussed in the Chechen diaspora in France and that if we talk about the honor of a Chechen woman, we must talk about this too.

A rally participant told Daptar that a committee is planned to be created where women can seek support, including from psychologists, lawyers, and other specialists.

Related Cases Mentioned :

Case of Ayshat Baymuradova (Armenia): Ayshat Baymuradova was evacuated from Chechnya to Yerevan, only to be found murdered.

Case of Madina Umaeva (Chechnya, 2020): Madina Umaeva was found dead, with relatives alleging her husband killed her due to a family dispute.