Investigation in case of disappearance of Yury Zakharanka extended for 3 months
- 28.12.2007, 15:45
The investigation in the case of disappearance of Yury Zakharanka, former minister of internal affairs and one of the leaders of Belarusian opposition, was extended for 3 months again. Syargei Kukharonak, investigator of special cases of the Minsk city prosecutor’s office, said it on telephone to human rights activist Aleg Vouchak.
Aleg Vouchak said to the Charter’97 press center that authorities are only “giving appearance of investigation” by another extension of the investigation in case of Zakharanka.
“We don’t expect they say they have found the people guilty in disappearance of Zakharanka. It’s just a formality, a demonstration that the investigation is allegedly being conducted. But as far as we know, no activity was taken recently indeed. I am absolutely convinced the case of Zakharanka’s disappearance will be investigated only when new, lawful president will be at power,” Aleg Vouchak said to the Charter’97 press center, commenting the fact of extension of the investigation.
“The present power is not forever. They will have to replay for their criminal acts. And references to pressure and threats by authorities will be irrelevant. Gentlemen, try to be brave at last, and give evidence on what had happened with General Zakharanka and other missing politicians, and who is blame of it! Think about their relatives, who have been waiting for any information about their children, husbands, fathers over many years. Finally, remember about your sole!” the human rights activist calls for those, who in his opinion have true information about the destiny of missing politicians.
It should be reminded that Yury Zakharanka, former minister of internal affairs and one of the opposition leaders, disappeared in May 1999. Many people in Belarus and all over the world think he was kidnapped on politically motivated grounds and probably killed. The Belarusian authorities say the investigation isn’t yet completed and grounds of Zakharanka’s kidnapping as well as his destiny are unknown.
The international community thinks such high ranked Belarusian officials as Uladzimir Navumau, minister of internal affair, Viktar Sheiman, Secretary of the Security Council, Dzmitry Paulichenka, commander of the special forces of internal troops, Yury Sivakou, former minister of internal affairs were involved in cases of disappearance of Yury Zakharanka and other leader of the Belarusian opposition.