Understand
They fled Russia, but the West sent them back
Overview
Western countries, including the US, Germany, and Finland, are increasingly deporting Russian anti-war activists, dissidents, and deserters back to Russia amid a broader tightening of immigration and asylum rules. Upon return, several deportees have faced interrogation by the FSB, military enlistment papers, imprisonment, or persecution, even though human rights groups warn of severe dangers.
Key points
- The number of anti-war Russians forcibly returned from Western countries is rising as attitudes toward fleeing Russians harden.
- US deportations of Russians rose significantly, with individuals like activist Leonid Melekhin receiving a six-year prison sentence after being sent back.
- European countries, including Germany and Finland, have also seen a sharp increase in deportations and a fall in the proportion of positive asylum decisions for Russian nationals.
- Deported dissidents report being interrogated by the FSB, handed military papers, or facing immediate threats of criminal charges and imprisonment upon returning to Russia.
- Human rights organisations and legal experts state that Western immigration officials often fail to understand the severe risks activists face in Russia, treating them under general immigration crackdowns.