2011 Minsk Metro bombing
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Minsk Metro bombing occurred on 11 April 2011 when at least 15 people were killed and more than two hundred were injured in an explosion on the Minsk Metro
, Belarus
. The explosion happened at the central Oktyabrskaya
station at 17:55 local time.
Initially the cause of the explosion was unclear, but was found to have been a bomb containing nails and ball bearings. President of Belarus
Alexander Lukashenko
asserted that the explosion was aimed at undermining "peace and stability" and hinted at possible foreign involvement but also ordered an emergency investigation of domestic weapon storage facilities. The Prosecution Office launched a criminal investigation and classified the event as a terrorist attack.
Two suspects arrested on 13 April have confessed to the bombing according to Lukashenko, but are as yet unidentified by the authorities. According to him they also pleaded guilty to Vitebsk cafe and Victory day bombings but the motives remain unclear. According to the investigation, the bomb was unique and the foreign investigators also expressed great interest in it.
at Nemiga in 1999. Previous bombings in the recent history of Belarus did not result in any fatalities. In September 2005, two bombings occurred in the northeastern city of Vitebsk
. The former was blamed on criminal gangs, and the latter, in which 46 people were injured, was blamed on hooliganism.
During the Belarus Independence Day celebrations on 4 July 2008, fifty people were injured when a bomb exploded at a concert in Minsk. Like the bombing at the Vitebsk cafe in 2005, the concert bombing in Minsk was blamed on hooliganism
, and President Lukashenko stated that he didn't believe he was the target.
at Oktyabrskaya station, which provides the sole interchange between the two lines of the Minsk metro. Like nearly every station in Minsk, Oktyabrskaya has an island platform
, and during the explosion, trains were located on both tracks. According to the initial investigation, the bomb was located under a bench next to the inbound (Institut Kultury
-bound) tracks. The bomb exploded next to the second car of an inbound train. At the moment of the explosion, there were 300 people in the area and an outbound (Uruchye-bound) train passed through the station without stopping. According to witnesses, there was "a flash and a bang" as passengers exited a train which had arrived at the station. The bomb was reported to have been packed with nails and ball-bearings equivalent to 5 kg of TNT. It was said to be under a bench on the platform and could have been detonated by remote control. Interior Minister Anatoly Kuleshov said the perpetrators sought to "kill as many people as possible."
The explosion caused a hole 80 cm in diameter. It was so powerful that it shaked trains at the adjacent stations Pl. Lenina
and Pl. Pobedy
. The blast was equivalent to five to seven kilograms of TNT. According to Interfax, the bomb was partially composed of fragments of metal. The device was packed with ball bearings, indicating that it was a nail bomb
; most of the injuries from the blast were caused by shrapnel. It is believed that the explosive device was radio-controlled and that the bomb was of advanced technical quality.
Families of those killed in the blast will receive aid amounting to the equivalent of US$10,000. In addition to monetary compensation, families will work with social worker and psychologists.
A national day of mourning was declared for 13 April 2011. Black ribbons were attached to flags, and all entertainment events cancelled.
Following the attacks, Interior Ministry began installing metal detectors to all stations.
.
The president said "We have been thrown a serious challenge. It requires an adequate response and it must be found. They will not let us have a peaceful life, I want to know - who". He made an appeal to the Belarusian population to assist in the apprehension of the perpetrators: "I would like to address the people honestly and openly: without you it will be difficult for us to find these monsters. You must help us." He also ordered the full transparency of the investigation and the full availability of information to the citizens.
The Belarus KGB announced that they would pay to anyone who has photos or videos of the attack. The opposition newspaper Nasha Niva provided certain material.
Three residents of Minsk were detained "for spreading provocative rumors, sowing panic". These people were alleged to be spreading false information about the new bombings on Internet forums and social networking sites.
Head of the investigation group, Deputy Prosecutor General of Belarus Andrei Shved announced that several people were arrested on 12 April and the facial composite
of the bomber was released. The head of the Belarus KGB Vadim Zaitsev said that three versions of the causes of the terrorist attack are being investigated as a destabilisation attempt, the action of an extremist anarchist organisation and the action of an unhealthy person. Following the arrests he said that the third version was now considered the correct one, that the attack was an act of an unhealthy person.
Three suspects were said to have confessed to their involvement in the bombing after police had arrested local dissidents. The head of the KGB said that one of the men, who was in his mid-20s, was arrested and had confessed to being responsible for the bombing.
Lukashenko declared that they may have knowledge into who "ordered the attack." He also claimed they had admitted their guilt and described the investigation by the police and the Belarus KGB as a "brilliant operation." He claimed that they admitted they were also guilty for the Vitebsk cafe and Independence Day attacks. He also said their motives remain unclear. It was reported that psychiatrists interviewed the prime suspect and that he said that he "enjoyed the suffering of others" and did not claim any political motives. However, they considered him sane.
said "I do not know about the exact motives of what happened, but, as reported, it was the result of deliberate action. If so, then this is totally unacceptable and must be condemned. Whatever were the motives behind it, one can never justify the use of violent methods."
State officials — President Serzh Sargsyan expressed condolences and expressed readiness to organise the treatment of victims in hospitals in Yerevan
. — President Ilham Aliyev
stated "I am deeply shocked with the news about the numerous human casualties in the terrorist act in the Minsk metro. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf I express our sincere condolences to you, family and friends of the victims, all the people of Belarus." — Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said that China strongly condemns the attack and that "China supports the efforts of the Belarusian leadership to combat terrorism". — President Toomas Hendrik Ilves
sent a letter of condolence to President Lukashenko which said "I am shocked by the tragic events in the Minsk metro. At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the Belarusian people." — A statement from the Foreign Ministry described the incident only as an "explosion." — Press secretary of President of Georgia Manana Manjgaladze said that "The president and all Georgian people deeply sympathise with relatives and friends of those killed during the terrorist attack in Minsk". — Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman expressed his condolences. — First Deputy Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov said that the "terrorist attack in Belarus will not affect the decision of Kyrgyzstan to join the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan". — President Valdis Zatlers
has expressed condolences to the people of Belarus in the wake of an explosion in the Minsk metro, particularly expressing his concern for those who were injured or killed in the event and expressed hope that those who were hurt will soon get better. Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis
offered his condolences to the Foreign Minister of Belarus and to the people of Belarus. — President Dalia Grybauskaitė
, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius
, Seimas Speaker Irena Degutienė
, Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis
express their condolences by the name of Lithuanian nation and condemned the violence in Belarus. Lithuania also offered to give free treatment in its resorts to all injured people. — Acting President Vlad Filat
said "This tragedy, I firmly believe, should serve as a further consolidation of the countries in combating terrorism in all its manifestations in the name of peace and tranquility of all people of goodwill". — Ambassador of Poland to Belarus Leszek Szerepka quoted the Foreign Minister as saying "Let me express my deep sympathy to the families of those killed and to the brotherly people of Belarus". — President Dmitry Medvedev
expressed his condolences He also expressed his hope that law enforcement agencies "will trace down the masterminds of the crime" and that "we will help Belarus." Further adding that "“The Belarusian authorities should take much effort to rehabilitate the general moods after the terrorist act." Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
expressed his condolences and said "On behalf of the Russian government and myself, I extend deepest condolences. We know firsthand the meaning of such actions. Our sincere sympathy goes from the heart. We like no other, empathise with the fraternal Belarusian nation in its grief. We hope for a speedy full recovery of all injured people. You can count on any help and assistance from our side, including in the investigation of the incident".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
received condolences from Foreign Ministers of Georgia
, Kyrgyzstan
, Nicaragua
, Poland
, Ukraine
, Finland
, Estonia
, Japan
on April 12. The next day condolences came from the Foreign Minister of Germany
, Turkey
, Iran
, Italy
, Russia
on April 13. The President's office also received condolences from leaders of Turkey
, Slovakia
, Cuba
.
, Russia
, United Kingdom
— The press service of the Belarusian president
has reported that Israel, Russia and the United Kingdom have offered to help in the investigation. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also offered all necessary assistance in the investigation of the incident. President Lukashenko responded in saying that the help must not be rejected under any circumstances. Subsequently, the Interior Ministry announced that the explosive specialists from these three countries would arrive in Minsk during the following day. Georgia
and Iran
also proposed to send all needed aid to Belarus.
On 12 April 2011, a team of three Israel Defense Forces
Medical Corps
doctors departed for Belarus in order to assist in the efforts following the subway attack. Leading the team is the head of the Medical Corps’ trauma department, Alon Galzberg. The team will begin operations by examining the steps that are needed to be taken, while advising local authorities on trauma and post-trauma procedures. The team was dispatched following a formal request by the Belarusian Government. Israel also sent an expert team of Shin Bet specialists as well as police forensic team and experts in the field of combating terror.
Minsk Metro
The Minsk Metro is a rapid-transit system that serves Minsk, the capital of Belarus. Opened in 1984, it presently consists of 2 lines and 25 stations totaling 30.3 kilometres...
, Belarus
Belarus
Belarus , officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered clockwise by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital is Minsk; other major cities include Brest, Grodno , Gomel ,...
. The explosion happened at the central Oktyabrskaya
Oktyabrskaya (Minsk Metro)
Oktyabrskaya or Kastrychnitskaya is a Minsk Metro station. Opened on June 26, 1984.The station is one of three on the Minsk Metro to have been built with an entrance in an existing building, the other two being Kupalovskaya and Ploshchad Lenina....
station at 17:55 local time.
Initially the cause of the explosion was unclear, but was found to have been a bomb containing nails and ball bearings. President of Belarus
President of Belarus
The office of President of Belarus is the head of state of Belarus. The office was created in 1994 with the passing of the Constitution of Belarus by the Supreme Soviet. This replaced the office of Chairman of the Supreme Soviet as the head of state...
Alexander Lukashenko
Alexander Lukashenko
Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko has been serving as the President of Belarus since 20 July 1994. Before his career as a politician, Lukashenko worked as director of a state-owned agricultural farm. Under Lukashenko's rule, Belarus has come to be viewed as a state whose conduct is out of line...
asserted that the explosion was aimed at undermining "peace and stability" and hinted at possible foreign involvement but also ordered an emergency investigation of domestic weapon storage facilities. The Prosecution Office launched a criminal investigation and classified the event as a terrorist attack.
Two suspects arrested on 13 April have confessed to the bombing according to Lukashenko, but are as yet unidentified by the authorities. According to him they also pleaded guilty to Vitebsk cafe and Victory day bombings but the motives remain unclear. According to the investigation, the bomb was unique and the foreign investigators also expressed great interest in it.
Background
The explosion in the Minsk metro led to the system's largest loss of life since 53 people were crushed to deathNiamiha disaster
The Niamiha disaster was a deadly human crush that took place at Niamiha metro station in Minsk, Belarus. On May 30, 1999, a sudden thunderstorm caused a number of young people to race for shelter during an open-air concert nearby...
at Nemiga in 1999. Previous bombings in the recent history of Belarus did not result in any fatalities. In September 2005, two bombings occurred in the northeastern city of Vitebsk
Vitebsk
Vitebsk, also known as Viciebsk or Vitsyebsk , is a city in Belarus, near the border with Russia. The capital of the Vitebsk Oblast, in 2004 it had 342,381 inhabitants, making it the country's fourth largest city...
. The former was blamed on criminal gangs, and the latter, in which 46 people were injured, was blamed on hooliganism.
During the Belarus Independence Day celebrations on 4 July 2008, fifty people were injured when a bomb exploded at a concert in Minsk. Like the bombing at the Vitebsk cafe in 2005, the concert bombing in Minsk was blamed on hooliganism
Hooliganism
Hooliganism refers to unruly, destructive, aggressive and bullying behaviour. Such behaviour is commonly associated with sports fans. The term can also apply to general rowdy behaviour and vandalism, often under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs....
, and President Lukashenko stated that he didn't believe he was the target.
Incident
The explosion happened at about 18:00 during rush hourRush hour
A rush hour or peak hour is a part of the day during which traffic congestion on roads and crowding on public transport is at its highest. Normally, this happens twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening, the times during when the most people commute...
at Oktyabrskaya station, which provides the sole interchange between the two lines of the Minsk metro. Like nearly every station in Minsk, Oktyabrskaya has an island platform
Island platform
An island platform is a station layout arrangement where a single platform is positioned between two tracks within a railway station, tram stop or transitway interchange...
, and during the explosion, trains were located on both tracks. According to the initial investigation, the bomb was located under a bench next to the inbound (Institut Kultury
Institut Kultury (Minsk Metro)
Institut Kultury is a station of the Minsk Metro. The terminal station of the Moskovksaya line, is located after Lenin's Square station.Institute of Culture has been opened on June 26, 1984, in structure of the first turn of the Minsk underground....
-bound) tracks. The bomb exploded next to the second car of an inbound train. At the moment of the explosion, there were 300 people in the area and an outbound (Uruchye-bound) train passed through the station without stopping. According to witnesses, there was "a flash and a bang" as passengers exited a train which had arrived at the station. The bomb was reported to have been packed with nails and ball-bearings equivalent to 5 kg of TNT. It was said to be under a bench on the platform and could have been detonated by remote control. Interior Minister Anatoly Kuleshov said the perpetrators sought to "kill as many people as possible."
The explosion caused a hole 80 cm in diameter. It was so powerful that it shaked trains at the adjacent stations Pl. Lenina
Ploshchad Lenina (Minsk Metro)
-Overview:The station, opened on June 24, 1984, is part of the Moskovskaya Line and serves the main railway station of the city: Minsk Passazhirsky....
and Pl. Pobedy
Ploshchad Pobedy (Minsk Metro)
Ploshchad Pobedy is a Minsk Metro station. Opened on June 26, 1984....
. The blast was equivalent to five to seven kilograms of TNT. According to Interfax, the bomb was partially composed of fragments of metal. The device was packed with ball bearings, indicating that it was a nail bomb
Nail bomb
The nail bomb is an anti-personnel explosive device packed with nails to increase its wounding ability. The nails act as shrapnel, leading almost certainly to greater loss of life and injury in inhabited areas than the explosives alone would. The nail bomb is also a type of flechette weapon...
; most of the injuries from the blast were caused by shrapnel. It is believed that the explosive device was radio-controlled and that the bomb was of advanced technical quality.
Victims
The wounded victims were admitted to five hospitals in Minsk. Among the injured, 22 were in a serious condition, one of them died in the hospital. Another 30 suffered injuries of moderate severity.| Citizenship | Killed | Injured |
|---|---|---|
 Belarus |
15 | 195 |
 Russia |
0 | 5 |
 Armenia |
0 | 1 |
 Turkmenistan |
0 | 1 |
 Ukraine |
0 | 1 |
| Total | 15 | 203 |
Families of those killed in the blast will receive aid amounting to the equivalent of US$10,000. In addition to monetary compensation, families will work with social worker and psychologists.
A national day of mourning was declared for 13 April 2011. Black ribbons were attached to flags, and all entertainment events cancelled.
Infrastructure
Like all metros built during the Soviet period, the Minsk Metro contains many artistic elements such as stylised lighting and decorative ceilings. In his speech following the explosion, the president suggested that the design of Oktyabrskaya station may have worsened the injuries. "The metro should be decorated in a way so that nothing will fall onto people's heads," Lukashenko said. "Not only from a blast. People also received injuries from that which fell from the ceiling."Following the attacks, Interior Ministry began installing metal detectors to all stations.
Investigation
President Lukashenko ordered a thorough investigation into the explosion. "There should be results every day. Work day and night," Lukashenko told the Belarus security apparatus. He urged Belarusian security officials to get in touch with Russian security to aid in the investigation due to their experience with terrorist attacks in Moscow MetroMoscow Metro
The Moscow Metro is a rapid transit system serving Moscow and the neighbouring town of Krasnogorsk. Opened in 1935 with one line and 13 stations, it was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union. As of 2011, the Moscow Metro has 182 stations and its route length is . The system is...
.
The president said "We have been thrown a serious challenge. It requires an adequate response and it must be found. They will not let us have a peaceful life, I want to know - who". He made an appeal to the Belarusian population to assist in the apprehension of the perpetrators: "I would like to address the people honestly and openly: without you it will be difficult for us to find these monsters. You must help us." He also ordered the full transparency of the investigation and the full availability of information to the citizens.
The Belarus KGB announced that they would pay to anyone who has photos or videos of the attack. The opposition newspaper Nasha Niva provided certain material.
Three residents of Minsk were detained "for spreading provocative rumors, sowing panic". These people were alleged to be spreading false information about the new bombings on Internet forums and social networking sites.
Head of the investigation group, Deputy Prosecutor General of Belarus Andrei Shved announced that several people were arrested on 12 April and the facial composite
Facial composite
A facial composite is a graphical representation of an eyewitness's memory of a face, as recorded by a composite artist. Facial composites are used mainly by police in their investigation of crimes.-PhotoFIT generation:...
of the bomber was released. The head of the Belarus KGB Vadim Zaitsev said that three versions of the causes of the terrorist attack are being investigated as a destabilisation attempt, the action of an extremist anarchist organisation and the action of an unhealthy person. Following the arrests he said that the third version was now considered the correct one, that the attack was an act of an unhealthy person.
Three suspects were said to have confessed to their involvement in the bombing after police had arrested local dissidents. The head of the KGB said that one of the men, who was in his mid-20s, was arrested and had confessed to being responsible for the bombing.
Lukashenko declared that they may have knowledge into who "ordered the attack." He also claimed they had admitted their guilt and described the investigation by the police and the Belarus KGB as a "brilliant operation." He claimed that they admitted they were also guilty for the Vitebsk cafe and Independence Day attacks. He also said their motives remain unclear. It was reported that psychiatrists interviewed the prime suspect and that he said that he "enjoyed the suffering of others" and did not claim any political motives. However, they considered him sane.
International reaction
Supranational bodies — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonBan Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
said "I do not know about the exact motives of what happened, but, as reported, it was the result of deliberate action. If so, then this is totally unacceptable and must be condemned. Whatever were the motives behind it, one can never justify the use of violent methods."
-
- The Security Council issued a statement calling the incident an "apparent" terrorist attack. A diplomat from one of the 15 states on the Council said that: "The word 'apparent' is included in this statement for a reason. There are credible indications in Belarus saying there is a more than even chance that the government was behind this." Another diplomat said: "There was a lot of debate about this statement which is why it came out so late. But it just highlights international suspicions." The final statement read that "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the apparent terrorist attack that occurred in Minsk, Republic of Belarus, on April 11, 2011, causing numerous deaths and injuries. They expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act and to their families, and to the people and government of the Republic of Belarus." — High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said "I deeply regret the tragic loss of lives in the blast, which occurred yesterday. I want to express my sincere condolences and support to families of the victims and the people of Belarus". European ParliamentEuropean ParliamentThe European Parliament is the directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union . Together with the Council of the European Union and the Commission, it exercises the legislative function of the EU and it has been described as one of the most powerful legislatures in the world...
President Jerzy BuzekJerzy BuzekJerzy Karol Buzek is a Polish engineer, academic lecturer and politician who was the ninth post-Cold War Prime Minister of Poland from 1997 to 2001...
expressed condolences and said "I wish a speedy and full recovery to the injured. The cause of the blast must be fully investigated".
- The Security Council issued a statement calling the incident an "apparent" terrorist attack. A diplomat from one of the 15 states on the Council said that: "The word 'apparent' is included in this statement for a reason. There are credible indications in Belarus saying there is a more than even chance that the government was behind this." Another diplomat said: "There was a lot of debate about this statement which is why it came out so late. But it just highlights international suspicions." The final statement read that "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the apparent terrorist attack that occurred in Minsk, Republic of Belarus, on April 11, 2011, causing numerous deaths and injuries. They expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act and to their families, and to the people and government of the Republic of Belarus." — High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said "I deeply regret the tragic loss of lives in the blast, which occurred yesterday. I want to express my sincere condolences and support to families of the victims and the people of Belarus". European Parliament
- OSCE — Chairperson-in-Office Audronius Ažubalis
Audronius AžubalisAudronius Ažubalis is a Lithuanian journalist and politician, currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania . He was a member of the Seimas 1996–2000, and was elected again in 2004. He has chaired the foreign affairs committee of the Seimas...
expressed condolences. - CSTOCollective Security Treaty OrganisationThe Collective Security Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance which was signed on 15 May 1992. On 7 October 2002, the Presidents of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan signed a charter in Tashkent founding the CSTO.Nikolai Bordyuzha was appointed...
— Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha expressed condolences.
State officials — President Serzh Sargsyan expressed condolences and expressed readiness to organise the treatment of victims in hospitals in Yerevan
Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously-inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country...
. — President Ilham Aliyev
Ilham Aliyev
Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev is the President of Azerbaijan since 2003. He also functions as the Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party and the head of the National Olympic Committee...
stated "I am deeply shocked with the news about the numerous human casualties in the terrorist act in the Minsk metro. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf I express our sincere condolences to you, family and friends of the victims, all the people of Belarus." — Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said that China strongly condemns the attack and that "China supports the efforts of the Belarusian leadership to combat terrorism". — President Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Toomas Hendrik Ilves is the fourth and current President of Estonia. He is a former diplomat and journalist, was the leader of the Social Democratic Party in the 1990s and later a member of the European Parliament...
sent a letter of condolence to President Lukashenko which said "I am shocked by the tragic events in the Minsk metro. At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the Belarusian people." — A statement from the Foreign Ministry described the incident only as an "explosion." — Press secretary of President of Georgia Manana Manjgaladze said that "The president and all Georgian people deeply sympathise with relatives and friends of those killed during the terrorist attack in Minsk". — Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman expressed his condolences. — First Deputy Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov said that the "terrorist attack in Belarus will not affect the decision of Kyrgyzstan to join the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan". — President Valdis Zatlers
Valdis Zatlers
Valdis Zatlers is a Latvian politician and former physician who served as the seventh president of Latvia from 2007 to 2011. He won the Latvian presidential election of 31 May 2007...
has expressed condolences to the people of Belarus in the wake of an explosion in the Minsk metro, particularly expressing his concern for those who were injured or killed in the event and expressed hope that those who were hurt will soon get better. Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis
Girts Valdis Kristovskis
Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis is a Latvian politician and the current Foreign Minister of Latvia in the Cabinet of Valdis Dombrovskis....
offered his condolences to the Foreign Minister of Belarus and to the people of Belarus. — President Dalia Grybauskaitė
Dalia Grybauskaitė
Dalia Grybauskaitė is the current President of Lithuania, inaugurated on 12 July 2009. She had previously been Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finance Minister, and European Commissioner for Financial Programming and the Budget...
, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius
Andrius Kubilius
Andrius Kubilius is a Lithuanian politician who has been Prime Minister of Lithuania since 2008. He previously served as Prime Minister from 1999 to 2000. He is the leader of the conservative political party Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats.- Biography :Kubilius was born at Vilnius...
, Seimas Speaker Irena Degutienė
Irena Degutiene
Irena Degutienė is a Lithuanian politician and member of the conservative Homeland Union, currently Speaker of Seimas. She was twice the acting Prime Minister of Lithuania, first from 4 May 1999 to 18 May 1999 and then from 27 October 1999 to 3 November 1999...
, Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis
Audronius Ažubalis
Audronius Ažubalis is a Lithuanian journalist and politician, currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania . He was a member of the Seimas 1996–2000, and was elected again in 2004. He has chaired the foreign affairs committee of the Seimas...
express their condolences by the name of Lithuanian nation and condemned the violence in Belarus. Lithuania also offered to give free treatment in its resorts to all injured people. — Acting President Vlad Filat
Vlad Filat
Vladimir Filat is a Moldovan politician, the Prime Minister of Moldova since 25 September 2009.- Education and early career :...
said "This tragedy, I firmly believe, should serve as a further consolidation of the countries in combating terrorism in all its manifestations in the name of peace and tranquility of all people of goodwill". — Ambassador of Poland to Belarus Leszek Szerepka quoted the Foreign Minister as saying "Let me express my deep sympathy to the families of those killed and to the brotherly people of Belarus". — President Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev is the third President of the Russian Federation.Born to a family of academics, Medvedev graduated from the Law Department of Leningrad State University in 1987. He defended his dissertation in 1990 and worked as a docent at his alma mater, now renamed to Saint...
expressed his condolences He also expressed his hope that law enforcement agencies "will trace down the masterminds of the crime" and that "we will help Belarus." Further adding that "“The Belarusian authorities should take much effort to rehabilitate the general moods after the terrorist act." Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin served as the second President of the Russian Federation and is the current Prime Minister of Russia, as well as chairman of United Russia and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Russia and Belarus. He became acting President on 31 December 1999, when...
expressed his condolences and said "On behalf of the Russian government and myself, I extend deepest condolences. We know firsthand the meaning of such actions. Our sincere sympathy goes from the heart. We like no other, empathise with the fraternal Belarusian nation in its grief. We hope for a speedy full recovery of all injured people. You can count on any help and assistance from our side, including in the investigation of the incident".
-
- Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus', Kirill addressed Belarusians with words of support and condolences. Ministry of Health and Social DevelopmentMinistry of Health and Social DevelopmentThe Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation is an agency of the government of Russia, headquartered in Moscow. As of 2010 Tatyana Golikova is the minister.-External links:* *...
of Russia sent a team of doctors. — President Emomalii Rahmon said "We condemn this act of violence and pledge to support all efforts to eradicate terrorism". — President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow expressed his condolences. — President Viktor YanukovychViktor YanukovychViktor Fedorovych Yanukovych is a Ukrainian politician who has been the President of Ukraine since February 2010.Yanukovych served as the Governor of Donetsk Oblast from 1997 to 2002...
stated "Together with the friendly people of Belarus we share the pain of those who lost loved ones. On behalf of the Ukrainian people and me personally, I express my sincere words of sympathy and support to families of the victims and I wish speedy recovery to all injured". - The State Department condemned the bombing but notably did not term it terrorism. — President Islam Karimov sent his condolences to President of Belarus and said "With deep sorrow we took the news of the inhuman terrorist attack. I express my sincere condolences and ask you to convey our sympathy to relatives and friends of those killed and injured". — President Hugo ChávezHugo ChávezHugo Rafael Chávez Frías is the 56th and current President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. He was formerly the leader of the Fifth Republic Movement political party from its foundation in 1997 until 2007, when he became the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela...
expressed his condolences. — President Nguyễn Minh Triết expressed his condolences: "Vietnam is outraged and strongly condemns this terrorist act and is very confident that the culprits will be severely punished by law".
- Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus', Kirill addressed Belarusians with words of support and condolences. Ministry of Health and Social Development
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Belarus)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus is the Belarusian government ministry which oversees the foreign relations of Belarus.The current Minister of Foreign Affairs is Sergei Martynov. Previous Ministers include Andrei Sannikov....
received condolences from Foreign Ministers of Georgia
Georgia (country)
Georgia is a sovereign state in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the southwest by Turkey, to the south by Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. The capital of...
, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan , officially the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the world's six independent Turkic states . Located in Central Asia, landlocked and mountainous, Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest and China to the east...
, Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country is situated between 11 and 14 degrees north of the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it entirely within the tropics. The Pacific Ocean...
, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, Estonia
Estonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on April 12. The next day condolences came from the Foreign Minister of Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
on April 13. The President's office also received condolences from leaders of Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Slovakia
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
, Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
.
International aid
IsraelIsrael
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
— The press service of the Belarusian president
President of Belarus
The office of President of Belarus is the head of state of Belarus. The office was created in 1994 with the passing of the Constitution of Belarus by the Supreme Soviet. This replaced the office of Chairman of the Supreme Soviet as the head of state...
has reported that Israel, Russia and the United Kingdom have offered to help in the investigation. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also offered all necessary assistance in the investigation of the incident. President Lukashenko responded in saying that the help must not be rejected under any circumstances. Subsequently, the Interior Ministry announced that the explosive specialists from these three countries would arrive in Minsk during the following day. Georgia
Georgia (country)
Georgia is a sovereign state in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the southwest by Turkey, to the south by Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. The capital of...
and Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
also proposed to send all needed aid to Belarus.
On 12 April 2011, a team of three Israel Defense Forces
Israel Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
Medical Corps
Israeli Medical Corps
The Israeli Medical Corps is an Israel Defense Forces corps responsible for providing healthcare services and medical treatment and instruction to all levels of the IDF. During wars or emergencies, it also assumes authority over the civilian healthcare system in Israel...
doctors departed for Belarus in order to assist in the efforts following the subway attack. Leading the team is the head of the Medical Corps’ trauma department, Alon Galzberg. The team will begin operations by examining the steps that are needed to be taken, while advising local authorities on trauma and post-trauma procedures. The team was dispatched following a formal request by the Belarusian Government. Israel also sent an expert team of Shin Bet specialists as well as police forensic team and experts in the field of combating terror.
External links
2011 Minsk Metro bombing infos and news- CCTV footage on YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....