Finland has decided to close four checkpoints on its border with Russia, which has not been without incidents. On the evening of November 17, 30 people who tried to cross the border witnessed the use of tear gas by the border guards.
Finnish border guards said a group of people arrived at the Niirala checkpoint on foot and on bicycles. They were stopped by border guards, but not everyone obeyed their demands. One of the members of the group tried to escape, which led to the use of tear gas.
Border Patrol agents noted that the group did not respond to their directions, and it was not clear what the intentions of some of the men were. Tear gas was used to bring the situation under control. First aid was given to the victim and he got better.
After the incident, the situation normalized, and a group of people was taken to the border control. Border guards conduct investigations to determine whether these individuals are asylum seekers.
The incident shows tensions on the border between Finland and Russia, and the closure of the crossing points was part of measures taken by the Finnish government to ensure security and control at the border.
