War in Ukraine: “foreign agents”, Putin critics, harsh punishment if Russia returns… A rock group is expelled to Israel
Members of a Russian rock band protesting the war in Ukraine have left Thailand for Israel, a week after authorities threatened to deport them to Moscow for working on the tourist island of Phuket without permits, the group and Thai police said.
Human rights activists warned that the seven members of the rock band Bi-2 would be severely punished if they returned to Russia. Some members of the group hold dual Russian and Israeli nationality. Thailand’s deputy police chief, Surachet Hakparn, told Bi-2 members to be sent to Israel. The group was fined for operating without a permit, he added. Bi-2 also indicated on its Facebook page that all members have left Thailand for Tel Aviv.
“safely”
The group is known for condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Justice has ordered Bi-2 singer Igor Bortnik A“Foreign Agent” After being criticized last year Russian President Vladimir Putin. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, welcomed Thailand’s decision to allow the group to go to Israel. “Human rights concerns prevail over Thailand’s decision to allow all members of the Bi-2 group safe passage to Israel”.He declared.
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