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Finland Allows Years of Russian Property Seizure Trial
Russia said it would appeal Finland's decision to seize the properties in court. All 45 properties cannot be sold while the process is ongoing, and people can continue to live there.
Tomi Voutilainen, a professor of public law at the University of Eastern Finland, told Yle that the confiscation of 45 Russian-owned properties in Finland could take years.
"As you know, the time it takes to hear cases in our courts is increasing," he said. The Kremlin had earlier said Russia would challenge the arrest in court.
Voutilainen noted that confiscation is a temporary measure and does not affect the use of the property at this stage. If people live there, they can stay there. The confiscated property cannot be sold until the decision comes into force.
Finnish authorities have seized Russian assets worth a total of 35 million euros following a ruling by the International Arbitration Court on claims by Ukraine's Naftogaz. The Russian government was ordered to pay compensation for material damages following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. According to Helsingin Sanomat, one of the artefacts is the website of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Helsinki.
Moscow sent two letters to Helsinki, and the Russian Foreign Ministry also summoned Finnish Ambassador Marja Liivala. The diplomats said Finland's decision was illegal and violated international agreements. Among the items seized was a building used by the embassy and protected by diplomatic immunity.