The decision of Finnish state officials not to press charges against the Finnish citizens and Finnish diplomat involved in the smuggling of the Russian boy Anton Salonen in the trunk of Finnish diplomat’s car to Finland has caused a diplomatic scandal.
Finnish Prosecutor General admits that the smugglers have broken the law, but defines the crime as “minor” and committed on the basis of “humane” approach. Finnish Prosecutor General also states that all the Russian officials (6 persons) who gave testimonies regarding the case simply lie, though there is not a single piece of evidence to confirm the statements of the suspects.
Russia considers the decision of Finnish authorities “unprecedented”. Russia views the decision to be in contradiction with the law and international conventions and to be based on double-standards.
Finnish authorities practically approve smuggling children by diplomats over the border.
Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a release on the subject:
Russian ombudsman Pavel Astahov informs on his official website that Russian Foreign Ministry is preparing a note to Finland on Anton Salonen’s case.
According to different sources Russia is even preparing to expel Finnish diplomats.
http://rimmasal.blogspot.com/2011/03/uusi-nootti-suomelle-ja-diplomaattien.html
