Finland passes law to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia
Al Jazeera
The temporary law was approved by 167 lawmakers, the minimum needed for it to pass in the 200-seat parliament.
Finland’s parliament has passed a controversial bill granting border guards the power to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia.
Finland has accused neighbouring Russia of weaponising migration by encouraging many people from countries such as Syria and Somalia to cross the border, an assertion the Kremlin has denied.
Helsinki has accused Moscow of promoting the crossings in retaliation for Finland joining NATO, which backs Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
The right-wing government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said the bill is vital to stop future arrivals. Opponents, including several academics, legal experts and human rights groups, say it clashes with the Constitution of Finland, international rights commitments set by the United Nations and pledges by the EU and international treaties signed by Finland.
