MINSK, 30 July (BelTA) – Russians were apprehended near Minsk on suspicion of preparing mass riots. They may be connected to the Belarusian citizens Sergei Tikhanovsky and Nikolai Statkevich, BelTA learned from the Investigative Committee of Belarus.
The source noted that the Investigative Committee had opened a number of criminal cases against Sergei Tikhanovsky. He faces criminal charges specified by Part 3, Article 130 of the Criminal Code on suspicion of committing deliberate acts intended to instigate other social enmity, on suspicion of calling for violent and aggressive actions against law enforcement personnel. Apart from that, Nikolai Statkevich, Sergei Tikhanovsky, and other persons face charges specified by Article 13 and Part 2 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code upon suspicion of preparations for mass riots.
The source went on saying that after information submitted by intelligence agencies was verified, 33 citizens of the Russian Federation, who are employees of the Wagner private military company, were apprehended in the Belorusochka sanatorium in Minsk District on 29 July upon suspicion of committing the specified crimes.
The authorities are now deciding whether these people should remain in custody as a pre-trial restriction.
Investigative actions continue to identify the persons involved in preparations for and staging mass riots in Belarus. Inquiries continue.
