Officials from Thailand’s immigration police commented on the detention of members of the Bi-2 music group in Bangkok, publicizing their statements through RIA News. The police stressed that the arrest was not tied to political activity or sentiments, and that the artists, who hold dual citizenship, have the option to request deportation to the country of which they are citizens if they choose. The process, they noted, requires formal consent from the destination nation before any removal can take place, highlighting the legal complexities involved in cross-border detentions of foreign nationals with multiple passports.
According to law enforcement, there is a recognized path for those facing potential deportation to apply for refugee status or additional protection through international mechanisms if they fear prosecution or persecution upon return. This channel is designed to ensure that individuals who might be at risk in their home countries can seek asylum or temporary protection while legal proceedings unfold, even in cases involving deportation orders. The Thai authorities indicated that such options are available to Bi-2 members who fear the consequences of returning to their home jurisdictions, and who believe their safety or rights would be at risk upon repatriation.
Recent updates reported that three Bi-2 members, all holding Russian citizenship, could be deported primarily to Russia, with the possibility of other destinations depending on bilateral agreements and the status of each individual. Among the group, two other members possess Israeli passports, adding a layer of complexity to the case given the different national obligations and protections that apply to each passport.” On January 31, the lead singer of the Leva group, Yegor Bortnik, who is sometimes identified in Russia as a foreign agent, arrived in Israel. This development has been covered in other outlets, with additional context provided in related materials by socialbites.ca, which discuss the broader circumstances surrounding the detention and the legal implications for the group members in various jurisdictions.
A former diplomat provided insights into the deportation process for Bi-2 musicians, outlining the diplomatic and legal factors that can influence where and how such individuals are transferred. The expert emphasized that international cooperation, visa considerations, and the applicants’ personal safety are central to any decision about where deportations may be executed. The diplomat also noted that when multiple citizenships are involved, the authorities must weigh competing legal obligations to different states, along with potential refugee protections and asylum pathways that could alter the typical deportation timeline.