Israeli Detained in Belarus for Over Two Months on Drug Trafficking Charges

An Israeli man, identified as Yevgeny, has been detained in Minsk, Belarus, for over two months after being found with prescription medication intended for his elderly parents. Yevgeny, a father of a five-year-old son, was apprehended at Minsk airport in early August when the pills, packed in a health fund bag with all relevant medical information, were discovered. His sister, Alex, told N12 that Yevgeny did not hide the medication but was unaware he needed to declare it. Initially, the pills were confiscated, and he was released after a short interrogation.

However, two weeks later, authorities detained Yevgeny again at a resort where he was staying with his family and parents. He is now accused of drug trafficking, a charge his family finds bewildering given the circumstances. Alex expressed deep concern over her brother's deteriorating mental state in prison and the distress of his young son, who constantly asks about his father.

The family is frustrated by the lack of progress and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' response, which they feel is insufficient. They were told the ministry can only offer humanitarian assistance in criminal cases, a stance that Alex contrasted with the successful intervention in the case of Naama Issachar, another Israeli detained abroad. The Israeli Embassy in Minsk is reportedly in contact with local authorities and the family, seeking consular access.