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In the estimation of Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, it would me most advisable for Russian opposition activist Anastassia Rybachenko, studying in Tallinn, to apply for asylum in Estonia.
Ansip advises Russian activist to apply for asylum in Estonia
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Ms Rybachenko, a student at Tallinn University of Technology, is a fugitive in Russia related to the so-called Bolotnaya Square criminal case, considered political by European Parliament and other organisations. In Ms Rybachenko’s opinion, Russian authorities may soon start an international search for her via Interpol.
Can Estonian governmental authorities do something to protect a student studying in Estonia who is not an Estonian citizen?
«That person should definitely submit an application to the corresponding institutions in Estonia,» answered Prime Minister Ansip. «The most advisable [thing to do] would be apply for asylum.»
Anastassia Rybachenko is studying in Estonia since the start of the year. So far, she has been unwilling to apply for asylum, noting that she is in Estonia just to study and hopes to return to Russia.
Even so, she is now probably facing politically motivated charges in Russia, threatening the young lady with imprisonment of three to eight years. While the Russian public has discussed the option of granting amnesty for participants of politically flavoured cases like Bolotnaya Square, Pussy Riot and the like, the trend has been otherwise.
According to Mr Ansip, proceedings of possible application of asylum by Ms Rybachenko in Estonia would be totally apolitical.
«This is not a place for political decision-making and I am convinced that it would be based on humane considerations. Should the request be reasoned, surely it will be accepted,» remarked the prime minister.
«In principle, Interpol should not list me in their database, my case being political,» Ms Rybachenko said on Wednesday. «Should Europe secure my human rights, I would need no asylum – I’ve got my visa and my documents.»
Ms Rybachenko said that should Russia apply for her to be extradited and should Estonian courts deliberate that, she is sure she would get her rights in an independent court. «I don’t think any democratic country would extradite me – this is still Europe here, not Russia.»