Russian MFA concerned about trials in Belarus

• 2.03.2011, 0:24

Moscow is concerned about the situation with the trial in Belarus over Russian citizens Artem Breus and Ivan Gaponov.

“We are waiting for a court decision and hoping for an objective and fair verdict, which would comply with norms of the international law, including fundamental human rights,” the statements published on the Russian MFA website says.

It also notes that Russian nationals Artem Breus and Ivan Gaponov stood trial in Minsk on March 1.

“Unfortunately, we cannot notice positive development of the situation. After accusations against Gaponov and Breus had crumbled at the previous trial, we expected a decision to stop prosecution to be taken. But the situation took another way. The accusation has not been changed, but a bigger group of new witnesses from the law-enforcement agencies has been involved in the case,” the Russian Foreign Ministry notes.

“This turn of events cannot but raise concern,” the statement of the Russian MFA emphasizes.