Overview

• Alexander Frolov, 26, was found dead in Acton, west London, on July 28; police are treating the death as non-suspicious and an inquest is due next week.
• He arrived on a seasonal worker visa in 2021, applied for asylum in December 2022, was refused in April 2024, and died while waiting for an appeal hearing to be scheduled.
• Friends say they believe he took his own life after prolonged uncertainty and fear of being returned to Russia.
• Activists and lawyers argue Home Office decisions often discount UK-based activism, increasing risk for visible protesters if forced to go back.
• A Home Office spokesperson declined to discuss the case; since 2022, 759 Russians have been granted refugee status, 465 refused, and 154 are awaiting decisions.