Former Finnish MP granted asylum, Russian citizenship

Former Finnish MP Ano Turtiainen and his wife have been granted asylum in Russia and received Russian citizenship, according to a statement made by Turtiainen to the Russian state-owned news outlet RT. 

Turtiainen, who previously represented the True Finns and Power to the People parties in the Finnish parliament, explained that his primary aim in relocating to Russia was to contribute his knowledge and experience in areas such as sports, business, and politics to the "Russian world."

Turtiainen cited fears for his safety as the primary reason for his departure from Finland. He described a pattern of increasing harassment from Finnish authorities, including repeated visits by the police to their home, summer house and offices throughout the year. Recently, he said, the situation had escalated with more frequent threats to his family and "disturbing behaviour" from the police, which ultimately compelled them to leave the country.

The former politician had previously applied for asylum in Russia after facing persecution in Finland for his pro-Russia stance and vocal criticism of NATO. 

By Sabina Mammadli