Monday, January 18, 2016

Russian priest deported from Chennai, embassy says treatment 'unacceptable'

Chennai: A Russian priest was deported by immigration authorities on Sunday after he arrived at Chennai International Airport, Russian embassy claimed on Monday and said such "disrespect" went against the spirit of mutual affinity and cooperation.
"The Embassy of the Russian Federation condemns the deportation of a Russian citizen, Father Seraphim, by the immigration authorities of the Chennai International Airport," a statement posted on embassy website said.
It claimed Russian diplomats were denied contact with the priest at the airport for seven hours, which was "unacceptable" and that he (the Father) was also denied basic assistance, including food, despite the requests from the embassy and the consulate general of the Russian Federation in Chennai.
"Such disrespect, shown to a priest from a friendly country, goes against the spirit of mutual affinity and cooperation characteristic of Russian-Indian relationship," the statement added.
However, airport sources said the individual, identified as Anuireikravhenko, with Passport no 7Z7405543 had arrived from Abu Dhabi on Etihad airlines flight HY283 at 9.30am yesterday.
"He was quizzed for three hours by immigration authorities and deported at 10pm after being told that there were restrictions on his entry in the country," they said.
18/01/16 PTI/Times of India
To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline