Uralkali CEO may stand trial behind closed doors in Minsk

“Everything will be done according to the Penal Code of the Republic of Belarus; there will be no special changes,” he told Interfax-West.

The investigation of Vladislav Baumgertner’s criminal case may take up to 1.5 years, Harachka noted.

Uralkali CEO Vladislav Baumgertner was detained in Minsk after meeting Belarusian PM Mihail Myasnikovich on Monday, August 26. The Uralkali CEO caused damage to Belarus’ national interests, the Investigatory Committee said.  He is charged with power abuse and faces up to 10 years in prison and property confiscation, if convicted.  The losses suffered by the Belarusian Potash Company are estimated at $100 million, the Investigatoty Committee said. Baumgertner is being held in a KGB prison. 

The Minsk City Court later on Friday will consider the appeal filed by the lawyers against the ruling Minsk's Partizanski district court to leave Baumgertner in custody instead of releasing him on bail.

Photo: ria.ru