Minsk claimed that the former Washington-based political consultor, born in Belarus, organized an illegal demonstration. While criticizing the regime in online publications, he and others said he was in the country with his young son visiting his sick mother when he took the streets of his family’s city from him last July.
BELARUSIAN OPPONENT LUKASHENKO SAYS: “WE WILL NEVER FORGET VIOLENCE. . . WE’LL WIN WHILE THE PROTESTS ARE GOING
Today, after more than six weeks in prison, his wife, Heather Shkliarov, an employee of the State Department, speaks, who in a public gesture that is considered uncommon for an American diplomat, issued this week, noting that her husband was in detention. Belarus as a “political prisoner. “
He went on to say that he was “deprived of fundamental physical freedoms” and “subjected to excessive mental pressure,” endangering his fitness. Recently, he reportedly showed symptoms of COVID-19.
BILAMAN PROTESTANT STUDENTS BOUND BY MASKED MEN
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today reiterated a call for Shkliarov’s release. He said the American “was wrongfully arrested. ” But Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has publicly described the AMERICAN presence in Belarus as a sign of American interference in the country.
“We must not forget that Vitali is the only U. S. citizen to be imprisoned,” Family Circle friend Maryna Kavaleuskaya told Fox News, “and also the wife of a State Department official, so she is a. . . non-public risk through Vitali to a department official. “
Shkliarov faces up to 3 years in prison. It is feared that the Belarusian government will simply prolong this.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FOX NEWS APP
“She will be released without delay and exempted from the unfounded fees imposed on her,” said Heather Shkliarov, who has not been able to see her husband since she was in custody.