Belarusian mercenaries accused of attacking Libyan civilians

Two Belarusian nationals accused of aiding the former dictator appeared before a Libyan court on April 9.

They are charged with preparing launches of surface-to-air missiles, suppressing revolts and attacking civilians, BelaPAN reports with a link to AFP.

Two Russians are standing trial together with Belarusians. According to Libyan Colonel Ali al-Sheiki, Belarusians and Russians are involved in the same case as 20 Ukrainian citizens detained in September.

“They are accused of preparing launches of surface-to-air missiles to target NATO aircrafts that were protecting civilians,”  Ali al-Sheiki said.

The colonel added the citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus are accused of helping the regime of Muammar Gaddafi put down the revolution and attack civilians.

According to him, all defendants arrived in Libya on own initiative and the authorities of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine did not have pressure on their citizens.