Belarus refuses to release Russian nationals detained in post-election riots

Belarus refuses to release Russian nationals detained in post-election riots

2010-12-28 16:06:41 GMT+7 (ICT)

MINSK, BELARUS (BNO NEWS) -- A Belarusian court on Monday refused to release Russian nationals who were arrested in the street riots that followed the presidential elections, media reports said on Tuesday.

According to RIA Novosti, the Russian Embassy in Minsk was not pleased with the ruling as it had previously demanded the release of all Russian detainees. Embassy spokesman Vadim Gusev also informed that they are currently preparing an appeal against the court ruling.

Eleven Russian nationals were detained along more than 600 people as they attempted to enter the Belarusian Parliament following the announcement that authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko had won the election with 79.6 percent of the votes.

Protesters and election observers rejected the results announced by the Central Electoral Commission, claiming fraud. International observers said that the presidential elections were marred with inconsistencies, especially during the vote counting process.

Among the detainees were also five opposition presidential candidates, whose arrests have led to international condemnation. The presidential candidates were beaten by abductors thought to be security agents before they were taken to unknown detention facilities.

Last Friday, Belarus released 100 activists who were detained in the unauthorized riots. Approximately 500 protesters are still serving short jail terms of up to 15 days but could face charges that could send them to jail for as long as 15 years. Lukashenko is often referred to as the last dictator of Europe.

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