{"id":105551,"date":"2024-09-18T18:22:13","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T15:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/105551\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T20:40:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T20:40:57","slug":"latvia-contacts-belarusian-authorities-regarding-missing-citizen","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/105551\/","title":{"rendered":"Latvia contacts Belarusian authorities regarding missing citizen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n X (FreeBelarus)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

September 18, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>The Latvian consulate in Viciebsk has contacted Belarusian authorities regarding the disappearance of Latvian national Emils Asars, Delfi<\/em> reported citing the LETA<\/em> news agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His relatives said that he might have been arrested. Spokeswoman Di\u0101na Egl\u012bte said the Latvian foreign ministry is aware of a “possible incident.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the ministry, human rights violations in Belarus and Russia limit Latvia\u2019s ability to help its citizens there. The exchange of information is slow and legal cooperation with Belarus is minimal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Latvia has repeatedly called on its citizens to avoid traveling to Belarus, they keep visiting the country, Egl\u012bte said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the ministry, 13 Latvians were arrested in Belarus in 2022, 15 in 2023 and 11 in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asars’ disappearance in Belarus was reported on September 11. He arrived in the country by car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media speculated that he might have been detained for a white-red-white element on his jacket. Belarusian authorities punish public display of this combination of colors, since it reminds them of the opposition flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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