One of four Russian bikers detained in Iraq
Four Russian bikers arrested in Iraq for alleged visa violations four days ago are reportedly being beaten, accused of espionage and threatened with the death penalty.
The men from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Tula were on a trip through the Middle East. After visiting Turkey and Iran, they were heading towards Baghdad when they were first blocked by a US convoy.
The tourists attempted to bypass the convoy by heading north of the capital through the city of Kirkuk.
Members of the St. Petersburg motorcycle club said the bikers were detained in Kirkuk, but were quickly released after contacting the Russian Consulate. Afterwards, they continued moving towards the capital, but were repeatedly detained by men in military uniform who did not introduce themselves.
Their text messages suggest they were finally taken to a military prison at a base in Baghdad, handcuffed, and that all their belongings were taken away except for one hidden mobile phone.
Suddenly at night they texted they were being beaten, accused of espionage and visa forgery and threatened with the death penalty.
Now some Russian media report their detention conditions were improved after Russian diplomats intervened.
Members of the St. Petersburg motorcycle club said the bikers were experienced travellers and had got their paperwork ready before the trip.
“They are some of the most experienced motorbike tourists in Russia. They have travelled most of the world, all continents,” says member of the motorcycle club Aleksandr Orlov.
The press attaché of Russia’s embassy in Iraq says Russian diplomats are working to secure the release of the bikers.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry reiterates it is taking all the necessary measures to help the bikers detained in Iraq. The ministry’s spokesman however admitted on Thursday that the bikers entered Iraq from Turkey without valid Iraqi visas.
On Thursday Moscow bikers are planning to picket the Iraqi embassy in the Russian capital in support of their detained fellows.
“The bikers are planning the picket at 16:00 Moscow time by the Iraqi embassy,” said Al-Kashi motorcycle club member Aleksey Gotsdanker.
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