A Russian anti-Putin activist has been found dead in London after his asylum application was rejected. Alexander Frolov, 26, was discovered in Acton, west London, on July 28 following more than a year of waiting for an appeal hearing.
Friends believe he took his own life due to mental pressure from fears of being sent back to Russia. The Metropolitan Police are not investigating suspicious circumstances, and an inquest will be held next week.
Asylum journey timeline
Frolov originally arrived in the UK in 2021 on a temporary agricultural worker visa. He submitted his asylum application in December 2022 but was rejected in April 2024, according to The i Paper.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, his friend Galina Shakirova said he was unable to return home as he "refused to take part in killing people". He had appealed the rejection and was awaiting a rescheduled hearing when he died.
Opposition activism profile
The Russian Democratic Society described Frolov as a "dedicated opponent of Putin's regime" and "a volunteer who gave his time to help others". The group said he was "a constant presence at anti-war protests" who "believed in the possibility of a free and democratic Russia and hoped to one day return to it".
His friend Galina, who met him while working as stewards at an anti-war rally, called him "kind, generous, quietly dependable". She said: "Imagine being an opposition activist who knows that returning home almost certainly means prison. You've spoken out publicly. You've worked with organisations labelled in Russia as "undesirable" or "extremist"."
Broader asylum context
Metro reports that 759 Russians have been granted refugee status in the UK since 2022, while 465 applications have been refused and 154 remain awaiting decisions. The same source indicates that 1,500 political prisoners are currently held in Russia, many prosecuted for anti-war activities.
Galina added: "Then you ask for protection - hoping for safety, for a chance to survive. And instead, you're refused." The Home Office said: "It is our long-standing policy not to comment on individual cases."
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Daily Mail", "Metro", "The i Paper"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
