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

An Israeli man, identified as Yevgeny, a father of a five-year-old son, has been held in detention in Minsk, Belarus, for over two months. He was apprehended at Minsk Airport in early August with a quantity of prescription pills intended for his elderly parents. According to his sister, Alex, Yevgeny did not conceal the medication, which was packed in its original hospital packaging with all relevant medical details, but he was unaware that he needed to declare it.

Initially, the pills were confiscated, and Yevgeny was released after a few hours of questioning. However, two weeks later, authorities arrived at his family's location, conducted a search, and took him into custody. He is now facing charges of drug trafficking, a development that has deeply distressed his family.

Alex expressed significant concern over her brother's deteriorating mental state in prison and the impact on his young son, who constantly asks about his father. She highlighted the anxiety of his 75-year-old parents, who must travel weekly to bring him supplies. The family is frustrated by the perceived lack of progress and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' explanation that they can only offer humanitarian assistance in criminal cases.

Comparing the situation to that of Naama Issachar, an Israeli woman released from Russian prison in 2019, Alex questioned why her brother's case is being treated differently. The Israeli Embassy in Minsk and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Desk for Israelis in Distress Abroad have stated they are working with local authorities for a consular visit and are in contact with the family.