Norway denies asylum to Wagner defector

Andrei Medvedev, ex-Wagner commandant, has been denied asylum by Norway, but granted temporary residence due to risk if returned to Russia. This status can be extended but does not allow for eventual permanent residency or citizenship, and includes certain restrictions. Medvedev crossed into Norway a year ago. His asylum bid was turned down by Norway’s immigration authority, which has yet to comment on the case. Norway’s asylum policy protects those at risk of severe harm if returned home, with exceptions for war crimes or serious felonies. Medvedev was previously detained for an alleged illegal border crossing attempt back into Russia and later released. He was also found guilty in a bar fight case and for carrying an air pistol. Medvedev’s defection was widely publicized when he left Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.