[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 80 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONCERN ABOUT TREATMENT OF U.S. CITIZEN IN BELARUSIAN DETENTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         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.

                          ____________________