Israeli Man Detained in Belarus Over Medication for Parents, Wife Appeals for Help

An Israeli citizen, identified as Evgeny Z. from Kadima-Tzoran, remains in a Belarusian pre-trial detention center after being arrested at Minsk International Airport on October 2nd. He was found carrying 170 tablets of the sedative "Vaben" (Oxazepam), which Belarusian authorities classified as a dangerous psychotropic substance with restricted circulation. The drug is permitted for import into Belarus only in quantities of up to 90 doses for personal use with medical justification. Evgeny Z. faces criminal charges for illegally transporting psychotropic substances across the border, potentially leading to imprisonment.

His wife, Regina, has appealed to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance, detailing a series of unfortunate circumstances. The couple, along with their five-year-old son, had arrived in Belarus on August 6th to visit Evgeny's parents. The parents, who reside in Belarus and care for their 101-year-old mother, required their usual Israeli medications, which were unavailable in local pharmacies. Regina stated that "Vaben" is a standard sedative prescribed in Israel for anxiety and stress, and they had requested their son bring it for them.

Regina claims there was no intent to smuggle the medication, as it was in its original pharmacy packaging with labels indicating the parents' names, doctor, and dosages in Hebrew. They also possessed receipts and prescriptions. She attributes their choice of the "green channel" at customs to the stress of travel, their young son's recent surgeries, and general inattention, rather than a deliberate attempt to conceal the drugs. Evgeny reportedly declared the medication to a customs officer, explaining it was for his elderly parents, but was detained for questioning.

Initially, the family was led to believe the consequence would be a minor administrative fine. However, two weeks later, Evgeny was arrested and placed in a pre-trial detention center. Regina reports that Evgeny, who is recognized as 100% disabled in Israel, initially struggled to receive his necessary medications in detention, though Belarusian analogs are now being provided. The family has expressed frustration with the lack of engagement from Israeli diplomatic services, stating that despite repeated appeals since his arrest, no Israeli consulate staff have visited Evgeny.

Regina is urging the Israeli government to intervene, citing past instances where Israel actively secured the release of its citizens abroad, such as the case of Naama Issachar. She emphasizes that her husband is not a criminal but someone who made an unknowing mistake while trying to help his elderly parents. Public figure Tatiana Berlin has also highlighted the case, drawing parallels to the Issachar situation and calling for public attention and support for Regina's family.