Poroshenko calls on Belarus to release detained Ukraine football fans
41 football fans, including 14 Ukraine nationals, were detained on October 9 during and after the Euro 2016 qualification match at Barysau Arena.
16 people were let go after identification, but 25 fans, incuding 14 Ukrainians, stood trial at the Barysau District Court, according to Belarusian official sources.
On Friday, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko wrote on Twitter that he had ordered his country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "to ensure urgent consular protection for the immediate release and return home of all the Ukrainians detained in Belarus." Human rights defender Tatsiana Reviaka wrote on Facebook that the Belarusian authorities started to release the detained Ukrainians in the court room (at least those who were not tried yet) in Barysau.
UNIAN reports 15 police reports were drawn up against Ukraine nationals. Three Ukrainians were let go, 12 were brought for trial in court. They were allegedly charged with "dissemination of leaflets". There is no information yet about the content of those leaflets.
Photo: ria.ru
