The former commander of the Wagner Group who fled to Norway was arrested: now he fears being deported to Russia

The fled dissident from the Wagner Group who utilized for asylum in Norway.

The ex-commander of the Russian mercenary group Wagner fled to Norway a number of days in the past and who had requested political asylum in that nation has been arrested for violating immigration legal guidelines, in keeping with the authorities of the Nordic nation. Andrei Medvedev, 26, who had illegally crossed the border on the twelfth, was initially captured by the border guard and had remained in police custody till now.

“The particular person has been formally arrested below the immigration legal guidelines and it’s being studied whether or not he shall be taken to court docket to proceed along with his internment,” stated Jon Andreas Johansen, head of the authorized part of the police immigration unit. The anti-crime unit had reported final week that Medvedev could be subjected to questioning.

Medvedev, in a quick telephone name with The Guardian, confirmed that he had been detained and expressed concern that he could be deported to Russia. Medvedev’s Norwegian lawyer, Brynjulf ​​Risnes, stated police determined to detain him after a “sturdy disagreement” with former soldier Wagner over dwelling situations within the secure home the place he has lived since he arrived in Norway. “He was staying there voluntarily. If he refuses to proceed, they need to let him go or arrest him,” Risnes stated.

According to a video despatched by himself to the Russian group Gulagu.web, which denounces human rights violations, he managed to flee Russia by crossing into Norway close to the border city of Nikel, within the Murmansk area. The defector stated he had witnessed warfare crimes and was keen to testify earlier than Norwegian authorities. He claimed to have witnessed the abstract execution of Wagner fighters accused by their very own commanders of disobeying orders.

Former commander of the “Wagner” PMC Andrei Medvedev fled from #Russia to #Norway and requested for political asylum, experiences Gulagu. web.

He is able to testify towards Prigozhin and speak in regards to the extrajudicial killings he witnessed. pic.twitter.com/iHPyGbMJ5z

– NEXTA (@nexta_tv) January 15, 2023

Medvedev is the primary Wagner member to flee Russia for Europe for the reason that begin of the Russian army intervention in Ukraine on February 24. Faced with the potential for him changing into a central witness in relation to the actions of the paramilitary group in Ukraine, the authorities have assured his safety and haven’t revealed his whereabouts for the second.