Finland Passes Controversial Temporary Bill to Turn Back Migrants from Russia, 167 to 31

Jul 12, 2024, 12:54 PM

Finland's parliament has passed a controversial temporary bill granting border guards the authority to turn back asylum seekers crossing from Russia. The legislation, approved on Friday by a vote of 167 to 31, follows the arrival of over 1,300 migrants, which led Helsinki to close its border. The law, described as Europe's toughest border bill, allows the Nordic country to push back migrants without processing their asylum requests if they are deemed part of a hybrid warfare operation by Russia. Critics argue that the law could violate international human rights standards, reports AP.