Overview

• Members of the Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2, known for their anti-war stance, have been detained in Thailand and face possible deportation to Russia.
• The band was arrested for performing without the correct permit while touring Phuket, a popular destination for Russian tourists.
• Human Rights Watch has urged the Thai government not to deport the band members, warning they could face persecution in Russia due to their public opposition to the war in Ukraine.
• Several band members hold dual citizenship with countries such as Israel and Australia, adding complexity to the deportation issue.
• Russian authorities have previously singled out the band for their anti-war stance, with the frontman Egor Bortnik labelled a 'foreign agent' in 2023.