LPR prosecutors ask Belarus to hand over Protasevich to carry out investigation

The Lugansk People’s Republic Prosecutor General’s Office has asked Belarus to provide the opportunity to carry out investigative actions with Belarussian national Roman Protasevich in the LPR, as his involvement in strikes at Donbass civilians and destruction of civil infrastructure facilities in the region has been established, PGO spokeswoman Inna Semyonova said at a press briefing at the Lugansk Media Centre.

“Investigators have ascertained Protasevich’s involvement in strikes at Donbass civilians and destruction of civil infrastructure; the LPR Prosecutor General’s Office asks Belarussian law-enforcement bodies to provide the opportunity to carry out investigative actions with Protasevich in the LPR territory,” Semyonova said.

Earlier, the LPR PGO filed a criminal case against Protasevich who is suspected of crimes against Donbass residents, committed as a member of Ukrainian armed formations. The LPR is ready to provide legal assistance to Belarussian law-enforcers in the investigation of the suspect’s crimes, the PGO spokeswoman said.

Protasevich founded the Nexta Telegram channel which was recognized as extremist in Belarus. Together with his girlfriend Sofia Sapega, he was detained at the Minsk Airport during document check on May 23. Criminal proceedings against Protasevich were opened on several counts including the organisation of riots. Earlier, Protasevich alleged that that he had been in Donbass at the height of fighting in 2014-2015 in the capacity of journalist. However, Protasevich’s photos captured him in military uniform with weapons in hands together with gunmen of Ukraine’s nationalistic battalion Azov.*i*t