A Finnish-Russian custody case that sparked a diplomatic row between Finland and Russia is back in court. Anton, a young boy, is at the centre of the controversy, which involves kidnapping by both parents.
Rimma ja Paavo Salonen Tampereen käräjäoikeuden käytävällä median saartamana. Image: YLE / Antti Eintola
Anton Salonen’s Russian mother, Rimma Salonen, is appealing a lower court’s decision last year to grant custody to the boy’s Finnish father, Paavo Salonen.
The case will be heard by the Vaasa appellate court. The trial is anticipated to cause a media frenzy, as the case has continued to draw interest on both sides of the border.
Abduction strains Finnish-Russian relations
The case dates back to 2008 when Rimma Salonen kidnapped her son from Finland and took him to Russia. The thorny situation gained another twist in 2009 when Paavo Salonen, brought him back to Finland in the boot of a Finnish diplomatic vehicle. The move prompted Russia to send an official diplomatic note to Finnish authorities.
