All articles tagged with #bi 2
Yegor Bortnik, founder of Bi-2, reflects on his time in a Thai prison and the band's arrival in Israel, expressing gratitude to Israel for their rescue. He discusses his upbringing in Soviet Belarus and the band's experiences in Russia. Despite not planning to settle in Israel, Bortnik acknowledges the country's role in their release.
Thailand deported members of the dissident Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2 to Israel after they were detained for performing without a permit, amid concerns that they could face persecution in Russia for opposing the war in Ukraine. The band, popular in Russia, had faced pressure and cancellations of concerts due to their criticism of the Putin government. Human rights advocates warned against sending them back to Russia, and international pressure played a significant role in their safe deportation to Israel.
Russian rock band Bi-2, critical of the war in Ukraine, detained in Thailand after a concert, faced deportation to Russia but are now en route to Israel. The band suspects outside pressure played a role in their detention and fears prosecution in Russia for their anti-war views. The Thai government, with friendly ties to Russia, faced international pressure not to deport the band members. The situation highlights concerns about transnational repression and the treatment of critics of the Russian government abroad.
Members of the Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2 have been detained in Thailand for performing without work permits and face possible deportation to Russia. The band has been critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin. Human Rights Watch has warned that the musicians could face persecution if returned to Russia, and there are growing calls to prevent their deportation. The band's singer has left Thailand, while the rest of the members remain in a cramped migration prison. The situation has drawn international attention, with exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urging Thailand and democratic nations to ensure the freedom of the musicians.
The Kremlin's crackdown on dissenting celebrities intensifies as Russian diplomats intervene to prevent the deportation of the rock band Bi-2 from Thailand to Israel, where they were headed to escape potential imprisonment in Russia. Human rights activists warn against sending the band back to Russia, where they could face arrest for criticizing Putin and the war in Ukraine. The band's lead singer was previously declared a "foreign agent" by Russia's Foreign Ministry, and Putin's allies have called for the group to face criminal charges upon their return.