MINSK, 10 June (BelTA) – The consul of the Russian Embassy has unhindered access to detained Russian citizens Sofia Sapega and Egor Dudnikov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Belarus Yevgeny Lukyanov told the media on 10 June, BelTA has learned.
He recalled that Russian citizen Sofia Sapega was detained on 23 May of this year and Russian citizen Egor Dudnikov on 6 May. "Consular access to Sofia Sapega was granted. Yesterday the Russian consul had another meeting with her. She did not have any complaints about her health or detention conditions. Her lawyers have communicated similar information to us. Three Belarusian lawyers are working with her. The investigation is being conducted by the Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee, and she is being held in the KGB pre-trial prison. Investigation continues,” the ambassador said.
The head of the diplomatic mission explained that by its status the embassy is obliged to provide consular assistance and support to Russian citizens in a difficult situation. The Russian Embassy fully implements this right in respect to Sapega and Dudnikov, Ambassador Yevgeny Lukyanov said. They have been arrested on criminal charges in Belarus. “In this context, we take it as a given fact. We will be keeping a close eye on these cases. Talks are taking place in relation to both cases. I do not want to forestall the coming events, but I assure you that the level of these talks is high,” the ambassador said.
According to him, the possibility of multiple visits is provided in both cases. The waiting time for visits may be longer only due to a limited number of meeting rooms in the facility where Russian citizens are held. “The most important result for us was that our consul got access to both Sapega and Dudnikov and is now in contact with the parents and the lawyers on a regular, predictable basis. The Belarusian authorities cooperate with us in the matter,” Ambassador Yevgeny Lukyanov said.
