Photographer accused of aiding Swedish pilots

Anton Surapin was interrogated by an investigator for the first time yesterday.

Photographer Anton Surapin is reported to be suspected of violating part 3 of article 371 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (aiding in illegal crossing the border of the Republic of Belarus).

“A lawyer said the first interrogation of the bnp.by editor was held on Monday, July 16, though Anton was detained on July 13 and spent the weekend in the KGB detention facility,” deputy head of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Andrei Bastunets told Salidarnast. “The term in custody was extended to 10 days. Anton's parents already found a lawyer for him.”

According to Andrei Bastunets, extension of a term in custody does not mean charges will be brought against Anton Surapin.

“Unfortunately, keeping a person under custody as long as possible is a usual practice for our investigators. It is considered a person under custody is more likely to help investigation,” Andrei Bastunets concluded.

Anton Surapin's parents are going to send a parcel to their son.

“We saw the appointed lawyer,” Alena Surapina says. “He says Anton feels normal, he is not alone in a cell. We hired a lawyer today and prepare a parcel for Anton.”