European Court of Human Rights challenges Finland on Russia border closure

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has requested clarifications from Finnish authorities regarding the closure of the border with Russia.

According to the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, the ECtHR has ordered Finland to comment on a complaint submitted by nine Russian-born individuals, Caliber.Az reports.

They argued that the closure of the border infringes on their rights, as trips from Finland to Russia had been an important part of their lives. Eight of the applicants have relatives in Russia with whom they can no longer meet, and several also complained about a violation of their freedom of religion, as they are no longer able to regularly visit cemeteries in Russia. One of the applicants believes his right to privacy was violated because he had to leave his job in Russia. Another applicant stated that his property rights were infringed upon, as he can no longer receive his pension from Russia, which requires visits to a Russian bank due to the unavailability of money transfers.

The complainants also accused Finnish authorities of discrimination, claiming that the border closure did not provide any exceptions for the Russian-speaking population or individuals of Russian descent in Finland. They further criticized the lack of effective legal recourse, noting that Finland's Supreme Administrative Court, where they filed a complaint in March 2024, declined to investigate their case.

The newspaper highlights that the very fact that the ECtHR has requested explanations from Helsinki is a significant development in the case, as the court typically rejects up to 90% of complaints without seeking comments from the state authorities.

In November 2023, Finland temporarily closed nine checkpoints on its border with Russia, citing an influx of refugees from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria attempting to enter the country through Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry rejected Finland's accusations. On April 4, 2024, the Finnish government decided to keep the checkpoints closed “until further notice.” Helsinki may reopen its borders for passenger transport after passing new legislation on refugees, as stated by Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen in May of the same year.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb also commented that citizens should morally prepare for the revival of political relations with Russia, although the timeline for this process remains unclear. Stubb added during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London that Russia continues to be Finland’s neighbor, with a shared border of 1,350 km.

By Tamilla Hasanova