Rock Band Disliked by Putin Faces Possible Exile to Russia... "Concerns Over Harsh Punishment"

"Russia Allegedly Applies Pressure on Thailand"

A Russian rock band critical of the Ukraine war is facing the risk of being deported from Thailand to Russia.

According to foreign media reports including the Associated Press on the 30th (local time), seven members of the Russian band 'Bi-2' were arrested on the 24th in the Thai resort city of Phuket for performing without permission, and are currently detained at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center. Previously, they had voluntarily sought asylum from Russia and are currently residing abroad.

Russian anti-war band Bi-2. They have currently self-exiled and are active based overseas.
[Image source=Captured from Bi-2 YouTube]

They were arrested after their performance for lacking the necessary documents. Each member paid a fine of 3,000 baht (approximately 110,000 KRW), and their passports were confiscated. However, the band claimed through their official Facebook page that "all performances were conducted in accordance with local laws and customs."

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Bi-2 has criticized the actions of the Russian authorities. The band's lead singer, Igor Bortnik, publicly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin online and was subsequently listed as a 'foreign agent' by Russian authorities.

Currently, Russian authorities designate individuals and organizations suspected of representing foreign interests and receiving foreign funding as 'foreign agents.' This designation is effectively akin to being labeled a spy.

Dmitry Gudkov, a Russian opposition politician who is acquainted with Bi-2, speculated on Australian radio that "Russia is pressuring Thailand to deport the members back to their country." Generally, deported foreigners return to their home country, but if there are safety concerns, they may go to a third country. However, Russia could coerce Thailand into sending the Bi-2 members back to Russia.

The deportation destination for the Bi-2 members has not yet been decided. However, human rights organizations issued a statement urging the Thai government to adhere to human rights standards, warning that "if the members are deported to Russia, they will be labeled dissidents and subjected to harsh punishment."