A Russian activist is facing deportation through a closed border. A support rally will take place on April 28 at 8 a.m. in Helsinki
The Finnish–Russian border has remained closed since 2023. However, Finnish police have threatened to deport anti-war activist Roman Golikov directly into the hands of Russian border guards (subordinate to the intelligence service FSB ) via the Nuijamaa border crossing. According to the police, there is an “arrangement” with their Russian counterparts. They also attempted to pressure Roman into going to the border with them without allowing him to speak to his lawyer.
Roman is a committed and active opponent of Putin’s war and regime. Since 2019, he has taken part in protests organized by Navalny’s movement, served as an election observer, and donated to independent media, human rights groups, and the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). In September 2022, Roman arrived in Finland on a short tourist trip. On the day of his departure, while already at the Helsinki bus station, he received alarming news from Russia and decided not to return, instead applying for asylum in Finland.
— I was sitting at the Kamppi terminal, and my bus to St. Petersburg was leaving in an hour, with a connection to Moscow. Then I started receiving messages from friends. Within an hour, I decided to stay. The next morning, I planned to go to the police, and that same day Putin announced mobilization.
Following a decision by the Finnish Immigration Service, Roman was placed in Uusikaupunki, from where he traveled to Helsinki to participate in rallies supporting Ukraine and protesting Putin’s actions. The author first saw Roman at a Democratic Community rally in August 2023, where he addressed participants holding a Ukrainian flag.
After multiple interviews with the Immigration Service and nearly three years of waiting, Roman Golikov was denied political asylum.
— Migri acknowledged all the facts regarding both mobilization and my political activities but concluded that there is no real threat and that I can return to Russia. They stated that mobilization is not being carried out in practice. Regarding politics, they argued that since I was able to leave Russia in 2022, the authorities likely have no particular interest in me.
Roman appealed the decision, but in February 2026, the administrative court also rejected his case.
— The court agreed that I had been politically active, attended protests, served on an election commission, and donated to ACF and Meduza (an independent media). Both organizations provided letters highlighting the legal risks: Meduza is labeled an “undesirable organization,” and ACF an “extremist organization.” Despite this, the court concluded that there is no sufficient evidence to confirm that I would face persecution upon return and deemed it safe for me to go back.
Roman and his lawyer appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court. However, he was summoned to the police station in Raisio, near Turku. As his passport had expired and he could not be deported to another country, the police presented him with two options.
— I was told I could have been deported long ago. They said this was my last chance: I could return voluntarily through the IOM. They would help arrange a temporary travel document via the Russian consulate, allowing me to return through a third country such as Turkey. Alternatively, they could take me to the Nuijamaa border crossing in the coming days. They emphasized that it would be considered voluntary and would not result in an entry ban.
The police indicated that if Roman refused to cooperate, he would still be deported through the closed border, but with an EU entry ban.
— I said both options are dangerous for me. I would likely be detained immediately and placed in pre-trial detention. At the border, anything could happen, as there would be no one there except Russian officials, and my identity is easily searchable online.
Indeed, a search for “Roman Golikov Finland” in Russian yields dozens of articles, interviews condemning the war, statements supporting Ukraine, and records of his donations. His name also appears in leaked Russian police databases listing opposition figures.
— I was interrupted. The officer said my refusal to choose would be treated as a refusal to cooperate, which could lead to an entry ban and possible detention. In any case, they said, I would be deported through Nuijamaa.
Roman asked to speak with his lawyer, as the situation directly affected his freedom and safety, but was denied.
— I was repeatedly pressed to make an immediate decision. After nearly an hour, it was clear I would not be allowed to leave without answering. Eventually, I said I could consider the second option.
Later, his lawyer pointed out that he could have refused entirely, but under pressure, that did not feel like a real option.
This decision had immediate consequences.
— A social worker contacted me, saying the police had reported that I wanted to return voluntarily. They explained that under the IOM program, I would receive a five-year entry ban, my case would be closed, and the appeal withdrawn. They suggested I speak with a representative in Russia, which I refused. Do you think I’m crazy, to tell my situation to someone in Russia when they are clearly cooperating with the FSB? I’m not going to do that.
A few days later, the police contacted Roman again, but he redirected all communication to his lawyer.
— I expect they will soon give me a specific deportation date. My lawyer plans to apply to the European Court of Human Rights, but I am not sure it can stop the deportation. I don’t see any remaining options.
The association Queer Asylum: Finland believes that deporting Roman Golikov to Russia would result in his immediate arrest. His anti-war activism, support for Ukraine, and donations to banned organizations are publicly documented. Any attempt by Finnish authorities to hand over Russian activists directly to Russian security services must be publicly scrutinized.
A support rally will take place on April 28 at 8 a.m. on the Maamonlahdentie bridge in Lauttasaari (coordinates 60.165006, 24.882269), above the highway from Espoo to Helsinki. A large banner will be displayed to warn about the threat of deporting Roman Golikov to the eastern border and handing him over to Russian authorities. The goal is to draw attention from commuters and raise awareness in the media.
Participants will also hold signs with the names of other asylum seekers facing deportation. Everyone is encouraged to join and bring posters with the names of Russian activists in similar situations.
The article was written by Maksim Aliev, Secretary of Queer Asylum: Finland.
The opinion of the editors may not coincide with the opinion of the authors of the articles in this section.