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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent

Russian family denied asylum in Finland fear reprisals for pro-Ukraine activism

Nikita and Olga Belov in front of a Ukraine flag
Nikita and Olga Belov have tried to claim asylum in Finland but have so far found their case rejected. Photograph: Nikita Belov

A Russian family faces deportation from Finland after repeatedly being denied asylum – despite the threat of arrest, imprisonment and potential torture for their pro-Ukrainian activism.

Nikita and Olga Belov fled their homeland in 2022 after attracting the attention of Russian authorities – including military summons, threatening messages and attempts to locate them – after expressing opposition to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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