Israeli detained in Belarus for about two months over prescription drugs: "His son is looking for him"
An Israeli man, Yevgeny, about 50, has been detained in Minsk for nearly two months after being caught with prescription pills intended for his elderly parents. He is accused of trafficking, even though the drugs were packed in an HMO bag with a prescription. The family reports a deterioration in his mental state and frustration with the Foreign Ministry's handling.
Yevgeny, an Israeli man about 50, married and father to a five-year-old boy, has been in detention in Minsk, Belarus, for nearly two months. He was caught at Minsk airport in early August with prescription pills intended for his elderly parents living in the city. The drugs were packed in an HMO bag with prescription labels. After an initial investigation he was released, but two weeks later he was re-arrested at the sanatorium where he was staying with his family, and charged with trafficking. His sister, Alex, said the family thought the matter had ended with confiscation. The parents, aged 75, are in distress and travel every week to the detention center. His five-year-old son constantly asks about him and draws him pictures. The family expresses frustration with the Foreign Ministry's handling, which does not intervene in criminal cases. The Foreign Ministry stated that the embassy is working with local authorities to arrange a consular visit.