PUBLIC AI Index: EUR 49/009/2008

31 July 2008

Further Information on UA 121/08 (EUR 49/006/2008, 07 May 2008) and follow-up (AI Index: EUR 49/007/08 16/06/08) - Torture and other ill-treatment/health concern

BELARUS Emanuel Zeltser

Emanuel Zeltser's trial began on 30 July. He is being tried on charges of “using forged documents”, “possession and smuggling of illegal drugs” and “commercial espionage.” The trial is being conducted behind closed doors despite requests from his family and representatives of the US State Department to be allowed to attend.

On 26 June, Emanuel Zeltser was examined at the state security services detention facility in Minsk, where he is being held, by an independent doctor. The doctor noted that the prison medical records were inadequate and did not accurately reflect Emanuel Zeltser’s poor state of health. The doctor’s report states that Emanuel Zeltser was unable to walk or stand unaided and is experiencing a great deal of pain. The medical treatment Emanuel Zeltser was receiving was insufficient and the doctor stressed that he should be given access to the medication he has been taking for over 15 years which the Belarusian authorities are withholding. Without the correct medication Emanuel Zeltsers’s life is at risk.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Emanuel Zeltser was arrested and detained on 12 March as he arrived by plane in Belarus. On 21 March he was charged with “use of forged documents.” He has been interrogated, allegedly beaten and denied the medicine he urgently needs to treat his diabetes and arthritis.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Russian, Belarusian, English or your own language:

- calling on the authorities to ensure that Emanuel Zeltser immediately receives the medication prescribed to him;

- calling on the authorities to order an urgent, independent investigation into the reports that Emanuel Zeltser has been tortured or otherwise ill-treated, and if substantiated anyone reasonably suspected of being responsible should be brought to justice;

- urging the authorities to ensure that Emanuel Zeltser is protected from torture and other ill-treatment, such as by being given regular access to US consular representatives, lawyers of his choice and any medical attention he may require.

APPEALS TO:

Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA

President

Administratsia Prezidenta Respubliki Belarus

ul.Karla Marksa, 38

220016 Minsk

BELARUS

Fax: +375 17 226 06 10

+375 17 222 38 72

Salutation: Dear President Lukashenka

Grigorii VASILEVICH

Prosecutor General

Internatsionalnaya str., 22

220050 Minsk

BELARUS

Fax: +375 17 226 42 52

Salutation: Dear Prosecutor General

COPIES TO:

Vladimir NAUMOV

Minister of Internal Affairs

Gorodskoi Val str., 2

220050 Minsk

BELARUS

Fax: +375 17 226 12 47

Salutation: Dear Minister

and to diplomatic representatives of Belarus accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 11 September 2008.