India detains six Ukranians: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reacts
Indian media outlets have reported detention of six Ukrainians in India on suspicion of preparing terrorist attacks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that there are currently no facts confirming involvement of these citizens in unlawful activity.
Source: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry press service in a comment to journalists
Details: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that six citizens of Ukraine were detained in the Republic of India on 13 March. Early information indicates that the essence of the charges brought concerns unauthorised presence in the state of Mizoram, visits to which require a special permit, as well as alleged illegal crossing of the state border between India and Myanmar. At present, competent authorities of India are conducting relevant investigative actions.
At the same time, it is noted that as of now there are no proven facts confirming involvement of these citizens of Ukraine in unlawful activity in India or Myanmar. Thus, certain publications, in particular in some Indian and Russian media outlets, contain distorted interpretations of existing facts, are manipulative in nature and put forward groundless accusations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses.
Details of the case are not being disclosed in the interest of investigation. With assistance of Ukrainian consuls from the Embassy of Ukraine in India, the citizens have been provided with legal assistance and defence counsel during court proceedings, the statement says.
Diplomats reported that a court hearing took place on 16 March, which was also attended by staff of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India, but they were not given the opportunity to communicate directly with detainees. Following the hearing, the court decided to extend detention until 27 March.
Quote: "Contrary to established international practice, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India did not receive official notification from competent authorities of India about the detention of citizens of Ukraine. The Ukrainian side insists on immediate provision of unhindered consular access to detainees.
Ukraine's ambassador to the Republic of India held a meeting with Sibi George, the relevant Deputy Minister of External Affairs of India, during which he handed over an official note of protest demanding immediate release of citizens of Ukraine and access to them. In addition, the embassy is maintaining contacts with other competent authorities of India in order to establish all circumstances and reasons for detention.
The Ukrainian diplomatic mission maintains constant contact with relatives of detained citizens of Ukraine and keeps the situation under special control.
We draw attention to the fact that there are separate zones with restricted access for foreigners on the territory of India, and visits to them are possible only with special permits. At the same time, proper marking of such territories on the ground is often absent, which creates risk of unintentional violation of established rules."
Background: The Indian Express reported that India's National Investigation Agency arrested seven foreigners – six citizens of Ukraine and one citizen of the US – on suspicion of conspiracy to carry out terrorist activity against the country.
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