Concern about Continued Detention of American Emanuel Zeltser in Belarus

The United States is deeply concerned about the deteriorating health of American citizen Emanuel Zeltser, imprisoned in Belarus. Despite repeated direct requests to Belarusian officials in both Washington and Minsk, Belarusian authorities have only permitted U.S. government access to Mr. Zeltser twice since his detention on March 12. During the second visit on April 25, the consular officer noticed a significant physical deterioration of Mr. Zeltser’s health. He has not been permitted to take his required daily medications.

Because of these serious medical concerns, on April 25, the Department of State requested Emanuel Zeltser's release on humanitarian grounds. We have yet to receive a response and urge the Belarusian government to respond quickly and favorably to this request.