BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

04/06/2008

U.S. citizen held in Minsk to be examined by independent doctor

MINSK, June 4 (RIA Novosti) - Emanuel Zeltser, a U.S. national held in custody for more than two months in Minsk on charges of using false documents and drug smuggling, will be examined by an independent doctor, the U.S. Embassy in Belarus said on Wednesday.

The U.S. State Department expressed its concern in late April and May over Zeltser's deteriorating health. A Belarusian medical examination ruled that Zeltser is sufficiently healthy to be held in a detention center.

"The Belarusian Foreign Ministry permitted a medical examination by a doctor chosen by the U.S. Embassy," the statement said.

Soviet-born lawyer and financial expert Emanuel Zeltser was detained by the Belarusian security services along with his secretary on arrival in Belarus on March 12, and accused of using forged documents. On May, 28 Zelster was officially charged with drug smuggling and possession.

The State Department requested that Belarusian authorities release the lawyer on humanitarian grounds. Zeltser's brother Mark said Emanuel, who suffers from arthritis and diabetes, had not been permitted to take his required daily medication.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on the situation.

Source:

http://en.rian.ru/world/20080604/109256102.html

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