Belarusian "killers" in Israel senteced to 11 years in prison

Four Belarus nationals were on November 27 sentenced by a court in Tel-Aviv to 11 years in prison. Valery Navitski, Siarhei Shasholkin, Yury Varabyou and Andrei Krauchuk were arrested on February 14, 2004. They were initially charged along with three Israel citizens with an attempt on the life of their criminal bosses. However, those charges were later removed. They were only found guilty of the illegal possession of weapons, illegal crossing of the Israeli border and resistance to a police officer on duty.

According to defense lawyers, the Belarusians simply got a back luck to have rented a flat where the weapons were kept. The weapons were locked in a room, but no finger prints of our compatriotas were found on the.

The Belarusians claim that they are only guilty of the illegal crossing of the Israeli border, hopiing to make some money. They say their families are waiting for them and are suffering without them.

Izrus