Peter Nikitin, an activist against the war in Ukraine, and also founder of the Russian Democratic Society, was allowed to enter Serbia on July 14, after authorities had previously denied him entry.

“I have passed passport control and have been allowed to enter Serbia. I am free. This is a great celebration for me,” he wrote on Facebook.

For two consecutive days, Nikitin had been staying at Belgrade Airport after authorities denied him entry.

After the ban, he stated that the decision was made by the Security and Information Agency (BIA) and that “I have not received any explanation” as to why his entry was denied, as he has a long-term residency permit in Serbia.

He has been living in Serbia since 2016 and has a valid residence permit.

As an activist against war, Nikitin had organized protests in Belgrade in support of Ukraine, after Russia began the invasion of its neighbor. He is critical of the government of President Vladimir Putin.

“I believe that the order [to ban entry into Serbia] came from Russia, and I relate the decision with the director of BIA Aleksandar Vulin, because he is the only one who makes these decisions,” Nikitin previously told Radio Free Europe.

Part of the opposition and civil society publicly demanded that authorities allow Nikitin to enter Serbia and stated that Vulin made this decision against the war activist.

Vulin has been under sanctions by the United States since July 11, on suspicion of involvement in corruption, drug trafficking, and spreading Russian influence in Serbia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and BIA have not responded to questions regarding why authorities denied Nikitin’s entry.

According to the decision made on July 13, it was stated that the activist’s entry ban was based on the Foreigners Law, which states that foreigners are prohibited from entering Serbia “if there is a measure of expulsion or deportation against them”.