Case of Mr. Zeltzer in Belarus
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United States
/of/ America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE /*110th*/ CONGRESS, 2nd SESSION
/*Vol.* 153/ Washington, Thursday, May 15, 2008 /*No.* 62/
/House of Representatives/
CONCERN ABOUT TREATMENT OF U.S. CITIZEN IN BELARUSIAN DETENTION
HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
OF FLORIDA
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Commission on
Security and Cooperation in Europe, I would like to draw attention and concern
to the case of Mr. Emanuel Zeltser, a U.S. citizen who was detained March 12th
upon his arrival in Minsk, Belarus, charged with ``use of forged documents.'' In
the entire time that Mr. Zeltser has been detained, he has only been allowed
visitation by the U.S. Embassy twice, on March 21st and April 25th. Upon the
latter visit it was noted by the U.S. consul that Mr. Zeltser had been beaten
several times and appeared in greatly weakened health. Mr. Zeltser suffers from
Type 2 diabetes and a severe form of arthritis. Though his condition causes him
severe pain and has further deteriorated during his incarceration, the
authorities in the detention facility where he is held have reportedly denied
him necessary medications. Without proper medications, Mr. Zeltser may not be
able to survive the harsh conditions of his detention. Furthermore, according to
his lawyer, Belarusian authorities have recently extended the period of Mr.
Zeltser's term of detention.
It is incumbent upon the Belarusian government to provide Mr. Zeltser full
consular access, proper medical care, and ensure that he is not subjected to
further physical abuse and degrading treatment--consistent with its
international legal obligations and basic human rights standards.
Time is of the essence in Mr. Zeltser's case, as further delays could lead to
further deterioration of his health to the point of endangering his life.
Madam Speaker, I call upon the Belarusian authorities to ensure that Mr. Zeltser
immediately receives the medication his doctor has prescribed, and is protected
from further ill-treatment, given access to U.S. consular representatives and
any medical attention he may need. On April 25, the State Department requested
the Government of Belarus to release Emanuel Zeltser on humanitarian grounds. I
urge the Belarusian Government to favorably consider that request.
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