Belarus Interior Ministry deniedFriday that its law enforcement agents used violence while apprehending Russian stand-up comedian Artemyi Ostanin previously this week.A member of Russias governmental human rights council stated Thursday that Ostanin was beaten with batons before being transferred to Russia, sharing a picture revealing his back covered in contusions and welts.
Medical professionals later detected him with a fractured spinal column, respiratory and lung issues and multiple contusions and abrasions.Ostanin, who faces up to 6 years in jail in Russia if founded guilty of inciting hatred, asked for an official examination into his supposed mistreatment.
A Moscow court put him in pre-trial detention till May 15 over a viral joke that drew backlash from pro-war Russian bloggers.No physical force or other prohibited methods were used versus this citizen during his detention, transportation and transfer, Belarus Deputy Interior Minister Gennady Kazakevich stated in a statement released on the ministrys website.Ostanin was detained at Minsk Airport on Monday at Moscows demand, Kazakevich said.
Belarusian law enforcement representatives then deported the comic and handed him over to Russian authorities at the border.Kazakevich firmly insisted that Belarusian police had totally complied with national legislation.However, Ostanin claims that Russian authorities did not use physical force after his transfer.Belarus Interior Ministry cautioned that those who disparage its staff members might deal with criminal prosecution.