Belgium seeks access to citizen jailed in Russia for 'treason'

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Brussels: The Belgian government is demanding consular access to a dual Belgian-Russian national who was recently sentenced to 16 years in a Russian penal colony on treason charges. 

Mikhail Loshchinin, 48, was convicted by a court in Pskov, western Russia, following allegations by the FSB security services concerning intercepted phone messages and a monetary transfer to a friend in Ukraine. 

Loshchinin’s family and legal defenders have fiercely rejected the verdict, labeling the closed-door proceedings entirely absurd and the accusations completely fabricated.

While representatives from the Belgian Embassy managed to attend the sentencing hearing, Moscow has repeatedly denied Belgium's requests for direct consular visits, citing Loshchinin’s dual nationality status. 

In response, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement expressing grave concern over Russia's adherence to the rule of law and due process.

The Belgian government is actively pressing Russian authorities to grant diplomatic access, ensure adequate medical care for Loshchinin's worsening health conditions, and provide treatment that aligns with international standards.