Finland's Supreme Court Prevents Extradition of Russian Terrorism Suspect to Ukraine
Finland's highest court has denied Ukraine's request to extradite a Russian citizen, Yan Petrovsky, accused of terrorism due to concerns about inhumane prison conditions.
Petrovsky, also known as Voislav Torden, was detained in Finland following a warrant issued by Ukraine where he is alleged to have been part of the far-right Rusich group, linked to the Wagner Group mercenaries.
Despite the Finnish Supreme Court's recognition of his EU and US sanctions, they ruled against the extradition after referencing a European Court of Human Rights finding on Ukrainian prison conditions.
Immediately after his release, Finnish Border Guard authorities rearrested him for investigation related to his stay in Finland. Ukraine's General Prosecutor's office stated their intention to persist in extradition efforts, acknowledging challenges posed by the demands for adequate detention conditions amidst the ongoing conflict.
Petrovsky, who has a history of far-right activism and involvement with Rusich since its formation in 2014, had previously lived in Norway before his arrest. Wagner Group, with a footprint in Ukraine and Africa and known for alleged war crimes, faces international sanctions.