International Law
N.Y. Lawyer Sentenced to 3 Years in Belarus Espionage Case
Posted Aug 11, 2008, 12:47 pm CST
By Martha Neil
Jailed in Belarus since his arrival in March, a New York lawyer with health problems has now been tried behind closed doors and sentenced to three years in prison.
Emmanuel Zeltser was convicted of industrial espionage and carrying forged documents, after other charges were dropped, reports Reuters. His secretary, Vladlena Bruskova, has been jailed for one year.
His lawyer, Dmitry Goryachko, asserts Zeltser's innocence and says an appeal is planned. He also expressed concern about his client's health and need for medical treatment he is not now getting.
Zeltser came to Belarus to represent Josef Kay, who is related to the late Badri Patarkatsishvili, a Georgian businessman. The U.S. Department of State reportedly has expressed concern about Zeltser's arrest, as well as not being granted access to Zeltser for several months. The department has sought his release on health grounds.
Additional coverage:
RIA Novosti, Russia: "U.S. lawyer Zeltser jailed for 3 years in Belarus"
Белорусские новости, Belarus: "Minsk court sentences American lawyer to prison"
Белорусские новости: "Trial of American lawyer Zeltser may last two weeks, defense counsel says"
Белорусские новости: "American lawyer Zeltser facing fate of political prisoner, legal expert says"
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