Latvia Reacts To Detention Of Its Citizen In Belarus For 'Espionage'

Lithuania denied Tertel's statement.

In March 2022, the Belarusian side detained and charged one Latvian citizen with "espionage," said spokesperson of the Latvian Foreign Ministry Diana Eglite, reports DELFI. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information about any Lithuanian citizen detained in Belarus for "espionage".

The Latvian citizen was detained in Belarus in March 2022. He was charged with espionage. The Latvian Foreign Ministry considers it groundless.

"Latvian consular officials provided all possible assistance within their capabilities. The lack of legality on the part of Belarus significantly complicates rendering assistance and clarifying the circumstances of the case. The Belarusian side uses formal reasons to slow down and complicate the contacts and work of the consular officer with the Latvian citizen," said spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry Diana Eglite.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information about the detention of any Lithuanian citizens in Belarus for "espionage".

"The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry and the embassy in Belarus have not received any information from the Belarusian authorities about the Lithuanian citizens, detained in the mentioned context," reads the commentary.

Lithuanian Department of State Security reported that the agency had no comments on this issue.

We remind that on April 4th KGB head Ivan Tsertsel informed about the detention of Polish and Baltic citizens "for undercover operations" in Belarus. Dozens of Ukrainian citizens were detained for "attempted terrorist, reconnaissance and espionage activities".