Andrei Suzdaltsev: Lukashenka makes arms against himself

Every day of holding Baumgertner in custody delivers a devastating blow to the Belarusian ruler.

Politologist Andrei Suzdaltsev spoke to charter97.org about the court's decision to leave Uralkali CEO in jail.

“We need to understand in this situation that Uralkali CEO doesn't have the status of a criminal offender. I say it because his Russian lawyers have not received yet any clear documents regarding the charges against Vladislav Baumgertner. The charges against Uralkali CEO are on the level of articles in the Belarusian state media and statements we hear from Belarusian television. We should consider him to be a hostage in growing political tensions between Minsk and Moscow,” the expert is convinced.

The politologist notes that Belarus has found itself in a very strange situation.

“It counted to have a very quick scandal, exchange of angry tirades and then bargain to get new grants and the special status of Belarus in the Customs Union. The talks between Uladzimir Siamashaka and Arkady Dvorkovich ended. Lukashenka has to think about his further steps.

Every day of holding Uralkali CEO in Belarusian jail is a devastating blow to Lukashenka. He makes arms against himself. I think Baumgertner won't be released in the nearest time. As I predicted, Russia refused to bargain with Lukashenka. The fate of Uralkali CEO will be hard. The Belarusian authorities will try to sue him,” the expert added.

Minsk's Partyzanski district court dismissed complaint against Vladislav Baumgertner's arrest.

Uralkali CEO was detained at the airport in Minsk on August 26 after a meeting with the Belarusian PM Mikhail Miasnikovich. The Belarusian Investigation Committee charged him with abuse of power and office (part 3 of article 424 of the Criminal Code).