Finland halts deportation of Russian family who ‘risked everything’ to oppose Ukraine invasion
A Finnish court has halted the deportation of a Russian mother and son who fled their home country due to their vocal opposition to the invasion of Ukraine. The case has been sent back for reconsideration after new evidence suggested they face significant risks of torture and imprisonment if returned.
Why it matters
The case serves as a litmus test for European asylum policies regarding Russian dissidents and the balance between immigration law and human rights.
Since their arrival in Finland, Nikita Belov and his mother, Olga, have been vocal supporters of Ukraine including by sending aid. Photograph: Nikita Belov Since their arrival in Finland, Nikita Belov and his mother, Olga, have been vocal supporters of Ukraine including by sending aid. Photograph: Nikita Belov Finland Finland halts deportation of Russian family who ‘risked everything’ to oppose Ukraine invasion Mother and son Olga and Nikita Belov say they were facing jail and potential torture after asylum case was rejected
Prefer the Guardian on Google A Russian family who were on the brink of being deported from Finland after repeatedly being denied asylum – despite the threat of arrest, imprisonment and torture for their pro-Ukrainian activism – have won a court appeal and will have their case reconsidered.
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