Dissident Russian-Belarusian rock band members who oppose Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine are being imprisoned in Thailand, and there are increasing efforts to keep them from being deported back to Russia.
The members of the progressive rock outfit Bi-2 were still in custody on Wednesday following their apprehension for performing in Thailand without proper authorization. Vladimir Putin and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have both been criticized by the group.
Following a performance in Phuket, a popular southern Thai island visited by many foreign visitors, including many Russians, the group was arrested last week.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) cited a Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman who charged the band of “sponsoring terrorism” and stated that Bi-2 would face “persecution” if brought back to Russia.
Singer Yegor Bortnik, also known by his stage as Lyova, reportedly left Thailand on Wednesday, according to a message on the seven-piece band’s official Telegram channel.
“The remaining group members are still in a migration prison in a small cell for 80 people, while Lyova Bi-2 flew to Israel,” the message stated.
According to a statement released by HRW on Tuesday, the artists in custody “include Russian citizens as well as dual nationals of Russia and other countries, including Israel and Australia.” The people most likely to be at danger are those who just have Russian citizenship.
Last Monday, Thai officials verified the band’s apprehension and warned that they could now be deported.
“Generally, this leads to their deportation back to their home country, but there is some latitude [about the final destination],” Phuket’s Immigration Bureau Superintendent Kriangkrai Ariyaying stated.
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara told reporters on Wednesday that the nation’s National Security Council “is looking into the matter, seeing what are details including the band members’ names and nationalities.”
