The SDP shelved a candidate who refused to condemn Russia’s attack – rose to the council of the Left ranks

Visibly Among other things opposing the east border Ivan Deviat Raised from the Left Alliance as a new face to the Lappeenranta City Council. Devia also received 541 votes in the municipal elections.

Deviatkin’s municipal candidate received attention at the end of last year after he Ilta-Sanomat The interview refused to comment on whether the Russian attack on Ukraine was entitled to Ukraine.

Devia was also a candidate for the SDP, but he was shelved by the party’s local organizations. According to the party, the reason was that Deviakin had acted in a way against the values ​​and goals of the SDP, including, for example, not condemning the Russian invasion of attack in Ukraine.

How do you comment on this now: Do you judge the Russian offensive in Ukraine?

« I comment in the same way as I have commented before this in the local magazine that I condemn the war as a means of solution at all, even if it is. Diplomatic discussion is what fits my thoughts, » Devia says to HS.

In December For South Saimaa magazinethat cannot publicly condemn war because it could put him or his son in danger.

« The next time I travel to Russia, I could end up in prison, » he said to South Saimaa.

Do you still think the same?

« The legislation has not changed in Russia anywhere. It is the same legislation that all the claims that criticize the war will allow you to get imprisonment. The situation is the same, nothing has changed. »

This is why you still comment on the issue at a general level that you condemn wars at all, but you don’t take a stand on this particular attack war?

« War in Ukraine, genocide in Palestine, they are not acceptable practices. You have to get alone by negotiating and wars and killing people. »

Previously Devia also has served as vice chairman of the Alexander Association, which requires the opening of the eastern border and resides in Finland.

Congressman Kimmo Kiljunen (SD) had to resign last year from the position of chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee after, among other things, he had called the Eastern border’s blocking « human rights violation » and described Finnish tabloid news « for a really pregnant hybrid » at the Alexander Association meeting.

Devi also says that the union is no longer involved.

He still speaks for opening the eastern border.

« The eastern border should be opened to allow people to get to their loved ones and loved ones. There are a lot of Russian -speaking and even native Finns who have a lot of family and family on the other side of the border, » he says.

Deviakin says they are doing their best to open the eastern border, but emphasizes that this is not a matter of direct responsibility for the city councilor.

Devi He thinks that most of his voters have been Russian. He says he is proud to have been activated by the Russian -speaking population for the election set.

In the city council, he hopes to promote the internationalization of Lappeenranta, the position and employment of immigrants.

« For example, how extensive the Finnish language teaching and integration services are available to foreigners and immigrants, » he makes one theme.