Understanding Human Rights & Russian Band Bi-2 in Thailand

A Human Rights Watch director pleaded with the Thai authorities not to deport a Russian rock band back to their homeland.

Elaine Pearson, the Asia Director of the Human Rights Watch division, revealed that the Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2 faces persecution for their outspoken public criticism of the Russian government if Thailand deports them back home.

The Thai police arrested the band for allegedly performing a concert without the proper work authorisations. Subsequently, they were transferred to an immigration detention centre pending deportation. Pearson wasted no time in demanding the release of the band, which was formed in 1988 in Bobruisk, Belarus.

“The Thai authorities should immediately release the detained members of Bi-2 and allow them to go on their way,

“Under no circumstances should they be deported to Russia, where they…