Embassy Statement on Zeltser Conviction

16 August 2008

Minsk, Belarus

The U.S. Embassy has learned, through his attorney, that American citizen Emanuel Zeltser was found guilty of economic espionage and the use of fraudulent documents.  He has been sentenced to three years in prison.  As the Embassy was denied the opportunity to observe the trial, we had no way to ensure that it conformed to international legal standards. 

The Embassy continues to seek immediate access to Mr. Zeltser.  We have not been granted consular access to him for more than two months.  We share his family's deep concerns about the state of his health, and call upon the Belarusian authorities to provide him with all of the medication which has been prescribed to him.