Finland’s Supreme Court upholds Russian border closure
The Supreme Administrative Court of Finland has upheld the government’s decision to temporarily close the borders with Russia, the local outlet Yle reported on March 14.
Those who appealed the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court claimed Finnish citizenship, residence permits, or affiliation with the Russian-speaking minority in Finland, along with ties to Russian origin or family members in this minority. Some complainants identified as “indigenous Finns with a special need to travel to Russia.”
The applicants alleged that the government’s actions “discriminate against the Russian-origin minority and violate fundamental rights.”
However, the Supreme Court opted not to investigate the complaints.
Finland initiated the closure of four border crossing points in the eastern region bordering Russia on Nov. 6, 2023. Additional checkpoints were shut down on Nov. 22, leaving only one operational. Finally, on Nov. 30, Finland closed all border checkpoints with Russia.
This decision stemmed from a rise in cases of third-country nationals, lacking proper documentation, arriving at the Finnish border with assistance from Russian border guards to seek asylum.
Read also: If Russia wins the war, the EU will lose all credibility, especially in Eastern Europe — Macron
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