Republic

Belarus’ Foreign Ministry confirms reports on arrest of Belarusian football fans in Florence

MINSK, 12 December (BelTA) - The Foreign Ministry of Belarus has confirmed the information on the arrest of Belarusian football fans in Florence. The consular service of the embassy is keeping in touch with the detained and the police of Florence, BelTA learned from the press service of the Foreign Ministry.

“The Italian police arrested a group of 61 football fans from Belarus ahead of FC Dinamo Minsk’s Europa League match against Fiorentina in Florence on 11 December. According to the police, they arrested the fans over their offensive behavior and violence including against law enforcement officers. It is reported that some of the fans carried truncheons on them. The police arrested 13 people and detained 48 for the identity verification,” the Foreign Ministry said.

The consular service of the Belarusian Embassy in Rome has contacted one of the Belarusian fans who said that the detained had no complains regarding the treatment and detention conditions. The Belarusian Embassy also asked the police of Florence to keep them in the loop.

“According to the police, the persons that have been detained for the identity verification will be released soon. Those who are under arrest will have to go to court that will determine punitive measures. The consular service is in constant contact with the detained Belarusian nationals and the police of Florence,” the Foreign Ministry said.