Emanuel Zeltser dying in KGB jail?

Brother of detained in Minsk American lawyer Emanuel Zeltser sent an open letter to Ryhor Vasilevich, Prosecutor General of Belarus asking to interfere and save his life – relatives, referring to a Belarusian lawyer of the detained, say Emanuel Zeltser’s state of health is critical.

“Belorusskie Novosti” learnt from the General Prosecutor’s Office that an appeal from Mark Zeltser addressed the Prosecutor General had been received on 10 April.

The letter, also sent to “Belorusskie Novosti” editor’s office, says Zelttser was denied “medicines, vital for his health.” “The Belarusian authorities and Belarusian Embassy in the U.S. have received a letter from his doctor in New York, saying clearly that Mr Emanuel’s health is very bad, and warning he won’t be able to survive without necessary medical care,” the letter says.

A medical report, warning about a threat of possible irreversible process caused by numerous internal injuries, signed by his consulting physician is attached to the appeal.

“The latest information from Emanuel’s lawyer points out that state of health of Emanuel has considerably worsened, and he may not survive. Dear Mr Vasilevich, Emanuel is dying in Your jail. Mr Prosecutor General, I cry for Your help and ask to do all best to save my brother Emanuel,” elder Zeltser writes.

Valer Nadtachaeu, head of the Belarusian KGB Center of Information and Public Relations, said his institution didn’t comment on the events. “We have made a statement that an accusation was presented to him. Investigation is now in progress,” Nadtachaeu said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus also refused to comment on the fact that the U.S. Embassy filed some notes of protest: U.S. consul had the only opportunity to meet with Emanuel Zeltser on 27 March, but there were no requests to organise a new meeting.

Emanuel Zeltser and his secretary Vladlena Funk were arrested by the Belarusian KGB 12 March just after they arrived in Minsk. They were accused of possession of forged documents. They are kept in the KGB jail now; a common lawyer, appointed by the Belarusian side, acts for them.

Zeltser’s relatives and friends have repeatedly said they fear for his health. They state, referring to the Belarusian lawyer of the detained, that he was denied three of four medicines he had been taking daily for 15 years.

Zeltser’s relatives have also reputedly said Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky may have some relations to his arrest. According to them, he had allegedly agreed with Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili’s relatives to provide them with his lawyer to gain 50 per cent of the property of the Georgian tycoon.

Patarkatsishvili’s widow and two daughters laid an action against his step cousin Joseph Kay and his lawyer Emanuel Zeltser, accusing them of possessing forged documents, including power of attorney and testament.

Mark Zeltser said in the interview to “Belorusskie Novosti” that he had consultations with a lawyer, who had assured him proceeding on that case couldn’t be started because the plaintiffs, as Badri Patarkatsishvili himself, didn’t have U.S. citizenship, moreover, he hadn’t had estate in the U.S.

The aim of the claim, according to elder Zeltser, is to spatter Emanuel’s good name, and thus ruin his legal practice and deprive him of earning.”