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RF embassy: Uralkali CEO detained for 72 hours, not arrested

The Belarusian lawyers met with the detained on Tuesday

MINSK, August 28 (Itar-Tass) - The situation regarding the detention in Belarus of the Uralkali CEO, Vladislav Baumgertner, has taken an unexpected turn. Russian lawyers have learned that he was merely detained for 72 hours, not arrested, Vladimir Marchukov, counselor of the Russian embassy in Belarus, told ltar-Tass on Wednesday.

The diplomat said that three Russian lawyers accompanied by two Belarusian lawyers and Baumgertner’s mother visited on Wednesday an investigation ward of the Belarusian State Security Committee. They were going to leave for Baumgertner the things he needed - warm clothes and toiletries. Only a tooth brush and toothpaste were accepted, while the rest was turned down. An attendant said this would be against the rules. He told Baumgertner was not arrested but detained for 72 hours.

Marchukov also said that the Belarusian lawyers met with the detained on Tuesday. They said he had made no particular complains, that the conditions in the ward were quite tolerable. The lawyers said they had lodged three petitions, including the plea for changing the measure restraint for Baumgertner. The petitions will be discussed by the Belarusian court next week.

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