Finland refused to extradite a Russian citizen to Ukraine due to human rights violations

Finland declined the extradition of Yan Petrovsky, also known as Voislav Torde, to Ukraine. Petrovsky is a prominent figure in the Russian radical group “Rusich” and was apprehended in August.

Helsingin Sanomat, a local publication, disclosed this information. The refusal was based on the conditions prevalent in Ukrainian prisons. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that these conditions violate the third article of the Convention on Human Rights, prohibiting torture and inhumane treatment. They highlighted issues of overcrowding and inadequate staffing.

The Supreme Court of Finland expressed concerns that Petrovsky might face treatment in Ukraine that violates human dignity. Moreover, the court found insufficient grounds for Petrovsky’s detention and ordered his immediate release. Petrovsky faces accusations of involvement in war crimes in the Donbas region during 2014-2015 in Ukraine. He remains under sanctions from both the EU and the US due to his position as one of the commanders of “Rusich.