Human Rights Watch has pleaded with the Thai authorities not to deport a Russian rock band members back to their homeland.

Elaine Pearson, the Asia Director of the Human Rights Watch division, said the Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2 could face persecution for their outspoken public criticism of the Russian government if Thailand deports them back home.

The Thai police arrested the band in Phuket for allegedly performing a concert without the proper work authorisations.

Subsequently, they were transferred to an immigration detention centre pending deportation. The band was formed in 1988 in Bobruisk, Belarus.

“The Thai authorities should immediately release the detained members of Bi-2 and allow them to go on their way.

Under no circumstances should they be deported to Russia, where they could face arrest or worse for their outspoken criticisms of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s war in Ukraine.”