Belarusian journalist Alesin released but must stay in Minsk
A Belarusian journalist arrested on suspicion of treason and espionage has been released from custody but ordered not to leave Minsk.
Journalist and military expert Alyaksandr Alesin told RFE/RL after his release on December 10 that he was suffering from stress and planned to see a doctor.
Alesin said he was told not to leave Minsk as the investigation continues.
He said the authorities had dropped their accuations of treason and espionage and that he now faces a charge of collaborating with foreign intelligence.
He could be jailed for two years if convicted.
Asked about media reports that he was detained in late November while meeting with a foreign diplomat in a Minsk cafe, Alesin said "that is close to the truth."
But he said he had been framed.
Alesin, whose comments often contradict government positions, recently said Belarus should reform its army in light of the crisis in Ukraine.
Journalist and military expert Alyaksandr Alesin told RFE/RL after his release on December 10 that he was suffering from stress and planned to see a doctor.
Alesin said he was told not to leave Minsk as the investigation continues.
He said the authorities had dropped their accuations of treason and espionage and that he now faces a charge of collaborating with foreign intelligence.
He could be jailed for two years if convicted.
Asked about media reports that he was detained in late November while meeting with a foreign diplomat in a Minsk cafe, Alesin said "that is close to the truth."
But he said he had been framed.
Alesin, whose comments often contradict government positions, recently said Belarus should reform its army in light of the crisis in Ukraine.