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After a dramatic escape from Russia towards Norway and his arrest on the border between the two countries, a Russian man applied for asylum in the neighboring country, claiming that he was a member of the Russian Wagner militia participating in the war in Ukraine on the side of Moscow’s forces, but he remains suspected of entering Norway “in a manner illegal”. His lawyer noted that he had “announced his willingness to talk about his experiences in the Wagner Group to people investigating war crimes,” adding that he allegedly served as commander of a unit of between five and ten soldiers. Although he expressed his desire to leave the group, his contract was extended without his consent. His lawyer admitted that it was difficult for him to judge his client’s allegations, but that “the participation of Gulagoo and other human rights organizations in this case is a relief” for him.
After a dramatic escape across the border, a man who claims to have been a member of a Russian mercenary group is sought Wagner to obtain asylum in Norway.
Andrei Medvedev, 26, was arrested near the Pasvikdalen Valley between Russia and Norway while illegally crossing the border into Norwegian territory.
The Norwegian police, who did not confirm his identity, said in a statement to Agence France-Presse that they had arrested him on Friday morning and he had “applied for asylum in Norway”.
And the human rights organization “Golago” published on its website interviews with Medvedev, including one after he crossed to Norway, in which he told the story of his escape.
“When I was on the snow (at the border) I heard dogs barking and I turned around and saw people carrying flares about 150 meters away and they were running towards me,” he said, adding that two bullets were fired and they passed by him.
His lawyer, Bryniulf Resens, revealed to the French news agency, Monday, that after crossing the border, Medvedev turned to local residents and asked them to contact the police.
He added that his client was no longer in detention and was in a “safe place” while his case was being investigated, and he was now suspected of “illegal” entry into Norway. The lawyer indicated that he “announced his willingness to talk about his experiences in the Wagner Group to people investigating war crimes,” adding that Medvedev claimed to have served as commander of a unit of between five and ten soldiers.
According to the Gulago website, he signed a four-month contract in early July 2022, and he claims to have witnessed executions and reprisals against those who refused to fight and wanted to leave.
Resens quoted Medvedev as saying that “he experienced something completely different from what he expected” after joining the special mercenary group that was at the forefront of major battles in Ukraine. Although he expressed his desire to leave the group, his contract was extended without his consent.
“He realized there was no easy way out, so he decided to flee,” Resens added. Upon his return to Russia, Medvedev made contacts with human rights groups, including the “Golago” website, which defends prisoners held in Russia.
Agence France-Presse was unable to independently verify Medvedev’s account. Resens acknowledged that it was difficult for him to judge Medvedev’s allegations, but said that “the involvement of Guago and other human rights organizations in this case is a matter of satisfaction.”
France 24/AFP
