ECHR asks for answers from NATO country due to Russia border shut down
(MENAFN) The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has requested Finland to address claims that its closure of the border with Russia is infringing on the rights of Russian-speaking residents, preventing them from traveling to Russia for various purposes. The case, brought by nine individuals of Russian descent living in Finland, alleges that the border restrictions, which began in November 2023, have disrupted their personal lives, including their ability to visit family, access religious sites, and manage property.
Finland imposed these tighter border controls in response to the Ukraine conflict, particularly following allegations in 2023 that Russia was intentionally directing illegal migrants toward Finland, a claim Russia has denied.
The claimants argue that the border restrictions have resulted in significant personal hardship, such as the inability to visit family members or fulfill religious obligations like visiting relatives’ graves. One individual even stated that the measures forced them to quit their job in Russia, while another was unable to collect their Russian pension due to EU sanctions.
The ECHR has formally requested clarification from Finland on whether the border closure infringes upon the claimants' right to private and family life and whether their access to justice has been denied, given that Finland’s Supreme Administrative Court rejected their appeal in March 2024.
Amid the ongoing tensions, Finnish President Alexander Stubb acknowledged that Finland must be prepared for eventual political normalization of relations with Russia, despite their current geopolitical stance. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia has never had issues with Finland or Sweden but criticized the countries for allowing NATO military infrastructure to expand on their territories after joining the alliance.
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