2011 Minsk Metro bombing

Terrorist attack in Minsk, Belarus April 2026 2011 Minsk Metro bombing Cordon Minsk blast.jpg Emergency services outside Kastrychnitskaya Station Kastrychnitskaya metro station, Minsk, Belarus Minsk Metro 53 54 7 N 27 33 43 E type:event inline,title 11 April 2011 17:55 local time UTC+3 Bombing, mass murder 15https://www.sb.by/articles/segodnya-ispolnyaetsya-shest-let-s-momenta-vzryva-v-minskom-metro.html 15 погибших, сотни раненых. Со дня теракта в минском метро прошло 6 лет Belarus Today 11 April 2017 4 July 2025 live https://web.archive.org/web/20170415102025/https://www.sb.by/articles/segodnya-ispolnyaetsya-shest-let-s-momenta-vzryva-v-minskom-metro.html 15 April 2017 15 dead, hundreds wounded. 6 years have passed since the terrorist attack in the Minsk metro 315https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13057610 Belarusians struggle to explain metro station blast BBC 12 April 2011 13 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110415095929/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13057610 15 April 2011 live Dzmitry Kanavalau and Uladzislau Kavalyou Nail bombhttp://www.segodnya.ua/news/14240846.html Взорвавшаяся в Минске бомба была начинена поражающими элементами Segodnya.ua 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111001072336/http://www.segodnya.ua/news/14240846.html 1 October 2011 with 5–7 kg TNT equivalent strengthhttp://rian.ru/incidents/20110412/363516520.html Мощность взрыва в Минске составила 5–7 кг в тротиловом эквиваленте RIA Novosti 31 March 2011 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110414144602/http://www.rian.ru/incidents/20110412/363516520.html 14 April 2011 The 2011 Minsk Metro bombing took place on 11 April 2011 when 15 people were killed and 315 were injured when a bomb exploded within the Minsk Metro, Belarus. The explosion happened at the central Kastrychnitskaya station at 17:55 local time.Eleven dead in Minsk metro blast http://rianovosti.com/exsoviet/20110411/163478204.html RT 11 April 2011 11 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110826044803/http://rianovosti.com/exsoviet/20110411/163478204.html 26 August 2011 Initially the cause of the explosion was unclear, but was found to have been a bomb."Belarus arrests several over Minsk metro bomb blast" https://web.archive.org/web/20110413083446/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13047140 13 April 2011 , BBC News, 12 April 2011 The Prosecution Office launched a criminal investigation and classified the event as a terrorist attack.http://baltic-review.com/2011/04/11/deadly-metro-blast-shocks-belarus-capital-minsk Deadly metro blast shocks Belarus capital Minsk Baltic-review.com 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110418142505/http://baltic-review.com/2011/04/11/deadly-metro-blast-shocks-belarus-capital-minsk/ 18 April 2011 http://rian.ru/inquest/20110411/363479683.html Генпрокуратура квалифицировала взрыв в минском метро как теракт 11 April 2011 RIA Novosti 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110414114154/http://rian.ru/inquest/20110411/363479683.html 14 April 2011 Meyer Henry https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-11/explosion-on-subway-platform-in-belarus-capital-minsk-kills-7-injures-50.html Belarus Subway Explosion Kills 11, Injures 120 Near Lukashenko Residence Bloomberg L.P. 12 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110512175505/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-11/explosion-on-subway-platform-in-belarus-capital-minsk-kills-7-injures-50.html 12 May 2011 live Two suspects arrested on 13 April confessed to the bombing but the motives remained unclear.Belarus arrests Minsk bombing suspects 13 April 2011 The Australian subscription https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/belarus-arrests-minsk-bombing-suspects/news-story/8f63801c5312fff3646f7fcfb3afa79f In March 2012, both perpetrators, Dzmitry Kanavalau and Uladzislau Kavalyou, were executed by shooting.http://rus.ruvr.ru/2012_03_17/68767138/ ru:В Интернете появились сообщения о казни второго осужденного по делу о теракте в Минске 17 March 2012 Голос России Russian 17 March 2012 live https://web.archive.org/web/20120318042549/http://rus.ruvr.ru/2012_03_17/68767138/ 18 March 2012 There has been considerable debate about the possibility that the Belarusian government itself was behind the bombing.https://www.rferl.org/a/minsk_bombing_everyone_asking_who_benefits/3555193.html Minsk Bombing Has Everyone Asking: Who Could Benefit? 2 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182148/https://www.rferl.org/a/minsk_bombing_everyone_asking_who_benefits/3555193.html live https://marieluisebeck.de/artikel/30-03-2012/protocol-meeting-lyubov-kovalyova-belarus Protocol of a meeting with Lyubov Kovalyova (Belarus) 30 March 2012 Beck 2 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182257/https://marieluisebeck.de/artikel/30-03-2012/protocol-meeting-lyubov-kovalyova-belarus live Marieluise Marieluise Beckhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19012541 Belarus: Were executed Minsk metro bombers framed? Sweeney 30 July 2012 2 July 2021 11 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210411095741/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19012541 live BBC News Johnhttps://newrepublic.com/article/87143/belarus-bombing-lukashenko-rumors Who was behind last week's mysterious bombing in Belarus? New Republic 21 April 2011 Kirchick 2 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182930/https://newrepublic.com/article/87143/belarus-bombing-lukashenko-rumors live James The UN Security Council statement condemning the bombing refers to "the apparent terrorist attack".https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10225.doc.htm Security Council Press Statement on Minsk Bombing Agence France-Presse http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/14/3191061.htm UN signals doubts over 'apparent' Minsk terrorist attack Australian Broadcasting Corporation 14 April 2011 15 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110418015022/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/14/3191061.htm 18 April 2011 The trial attracted international political condemnation and the verdicts passed out have been questioned, primarily by the Belarusian opposition and the EU.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17428399 EU condemns Belarus for metro bombing executions 19 March 2012 BBC 2 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190709/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17428399 live https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/world/europe/14belarus.html Belarus Says Suspects Confessed to Subway Bombing The New York Times Schwirtz 13 April 2011 2 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709214108/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/world/europe/14belarus.html live Michael The bombing came at a time of a serious economic crisis and protests against President Alexander Lukashenko's government. Background The bombing of the Minsk Metro led to the country's largest loss of life since 53 people were crushed to death at Nyamiha 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.https://www.rferl.org/a/1061636.html Belarusian President Downplays Vitebsk Bomb Blast – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty/Radio Liberty © 2011 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 23 September 2005 11 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213548/http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1061636.html 3 March 2016 The first was blamed on criminal gangs, and the second, in which 46 people were injured outside a cafe, on hooliganism. During the Belarus Independence Day celebrations on 4 July 2008, 54 people were injured when a bomb exploded at a concert in Minsk.https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-07-05-2466540809_x.htm Belarus president: Bomb not aimed at me USA Today 5 July 2008 11 April 2011 Like the bombing at the Vitebsk cafe in 2005, the concert bombing in Minsk was blamed on hooliganism. The 2010 Belarusian presidential election was held in December. Lukashenko won 79.65% of the vote (he gained 5,130,557 votes) with 90.65% of the electorate voting. Up to 40,000 people protested against Lukashenkohttps://www.cbc.ca/news/world/belarus-election-ends-with-violent-protests-1.916848 Belarus election ends with violent protests 19 December 2010 19 December 2010 17 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140317114943/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/belarus-election-ends-with-violent-protests-1.916848 live CBC News and about 600 were arrested. The economic crisis of 2011 meant that the ruble fell considerably during the year and the average salary (in dollars) decreased by 38% between December 2010 and May 2011.http://telegraf.by/2011/06/belstat_srednjaja_zarplata_s_nachala_goda_snizilas__na_200_dollarov Белстат: средняя зарплата с начала года снизилась на 200 долларов telegraf.by 23 June 2011 3 July 2021 23 April 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190423095704/https://telegraf.by/2011/06/belstat_srednjaja_zarplata_s_nachala_goda_snizilas__na_200_dollarov live This would inspire further protests against Lukashenko's government in June of that year. Bombing left 130px Compilation of CCTV footage of the blast thumb|right|250px|A wounded victim being evacuated thumb|right|250px|An area cordoned off two hours after the bombing thumb|right|250px|A man injured in the blast thumb|155px|People commemorating the victims in Minsk The explosion happened at 17:55 during evening rush hour at Kastryčnickaja station of the Minsk Metro. Like nearly every station in Minsk, Kastryčnickaja has an island platform, and during the explosion, trains were located on both tracks.Фото: Антон Мотолько/Коммерсантъ http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1619729 Ъ-Газета – Минск рвануло по линии метро Kommersant.ru 11 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110413221124/http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1619729 13 April 2011 According to the initial investigation, the bomb was located under a bench next to the inbound (Instytut Kultury-bound) tracks.http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=444155&cid=9 Власти Минска предлагают объявить днем траура 14 апреля 11 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20120404141830/http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=444155&cid=9 4 April 2012 12 April 2011 Vesti.ru The bomb exploded next to the second car of an inbound train. At the moment of the explosion, there were approximately 300 people in the station and an outbound (Uruchye-bound) train passed through the area 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 and could have been detonated by remote control. The explosion carved a hole 80 cm in diameter. It was so powerful that it shook trains at the adjacent stations Pl. Lenina and Pl. Pobedy.http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2011/04/11/n_1789165.shtml Нвебхджш Яннаыючр, Врн Оняке Бгпшбю Б Лерпн Лхмяйю "Рпъякн Бюцнмш Мю Яняедмху Ярюмжхъу" — Цюгерю.Ru | Мнбнярх Дмъ Gazeta.ru 11 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110414125256/http://www.gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2011/04/11/n_1789165.shtml 14 April 2011 The blast was equivalent to five to seven kilograms of TNT.http://www.rian.ru/incidents/20110412/363516520.html Мощность взрыва в Минске составила 5–7 кг в тротиловом эквиваленте | Происшествия | Лента новостей "РИА Новости" RIA Novosti 31 March 2011 11 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110414144602/http://www.rian.ru/incidents/20110412/363516520.html 14 April 2011 According to Interfax, the bomb was partially composed of fragments of metal.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13044120 Belarus: Lukashenko says Minsk metro blast was plot 12 April 2011 11 April 2011 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20110412034544/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13044120 12 April 2011 live Most of the injuries from the blast were caused by shrapnel.https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrVkTJdqIb8aU6_-g_ku02IvCKGg?docId=CNG.e30a2eb4dd3b97b6be7154f1f6f71d05.541 Belarus seeks answers over deadly metro bombing Agence France-Presse 12 April 2011 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110415012419/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrVkTJdqIb8aU6_-g_ku02IvCKGg?docId=CNG.e30a2eb4dd3b97b6be7154f1f6f71d05.541 15 April 2011 It is believed that the explosive device was radio-controlled and that the bomb was of advanced technical quality.http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90720 КГБ Беларуси настаивает на том, что взрыв в метро был осуществлен по радио Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110415012500/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90720 15 April 2011 Interior Minister Anatoly Kuleshov said the perpetrators sought to "kill as many people as possible." Aftermath The wounded were admitted to five hospitals in Minsk. Among the injured, 32 were in a serious condition; three of them died in the hospital.https://www.sb.by/articles/nazvany-imena-pogibshikh-i-postradavshikh-v-rezultate-terakta-v-minske-spisok-obnovlyaetsya.html Названы имена погибших и пострадавших в результате теракта в Минске (список обновляется) Belarus Today 12 April 2011 4 July 2025 live https://web.archive.org/web/20250704205838/https://www.sb.by/articles/nazvany-imena-pogibshikh-i-postradavshikh-v-rezultate-terakta-v-minske-spisok-obnovlyaetsya.html 4 July 2025 Names of those killed and injured in the Minsk terrorist attack have been released (list being updated) ru Another 30 suffered injuries of moderate severity. Eight foreign citizens were among those injured.В результате взрыва в минском метро пострадали восемь иностранцев https://www.sb.by/articles/v-rezultate-vzryva-v-minskom-metro-postradali-vosem-inostrantsev.html Belarus Today https://web.archive.org/web/20200831155234/https://www.sb.by/articles/v-rezultate-vzryva-v-minskom-metro-postradali-vosem-inostrantsev.html 31 August 2020 ru 13 April 2011 Eight foreigners were injured in the Minsk metro explosion Число жертв теракта в минском метро увеличилось до 14 человек https://afnfn.com/news/i/151671 afn.by Agency of Financial News https://web.archive.org/web/20250704210402/https://afnfn.com/news/i/151671 4 July 2025 ru 25 April 2011 The number of victims in the Minsk metro terrorist attack has increased to 14 Пятнадцатый рубец на сердце https://www.sb.by/articles/pyatnadtsatyy-rubets-na-serdtse.html Belarus Today https://web.archive.org/web/20250704210424/https://www.sb.by/articles/pyatnadtsatyy-rubets-na-serdtse.html 4 July 2025 ru 26 May 2011 The fifteenth scar on the heart +NationalityKilledInjured Belarus Belarus 15 307 Russia Russia 0 5 Armenia Armenia 0 1 Turkmenistan Turkmenistan 0 1 Ukraine Ukraine 0 1 Total 15 315 A national day of mourning was declared for 13 April 2011.в ответ на комментарий читателя Алесь http://telegraf.by/2011/04/v-minske-13-aprelja-ob-javili-dnem-traura.html В Минске 13 апреля объявили днем траура Telegraf.by 12 April 2011 dead https://archive.today/20120730025750/http://telegraf.by/2011/04/v-minske-13-aprelja-ob-javili-dnem-traura.html 30 July 2012 Black ribbons were attached to flags, and all entertainment events cancelled. 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 Kastryčnickaja station may have worsened the injuries.http://www.belta.by/ru/all_news/president/Lukashenko-vzjal-rassledovanie-terakta-v-minskom-metro-pod-lichnyj-kontrol_i_549766.html Лукашенко взял расследование теракта в минском метро под личный контроль | Президент | Деятельность Президента Беларуси | БЕЛТА Belta.by 11 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110416032122/http://www.belta.by/ru/all_news/president/Lukashenko-vzjal-rassledovanie-terakta-v-minskom-metro-pod-lichnyj-kontrol_i_549766.html 16 April 2011 "The metro should be decorated in a way so that nothing will fall onto people's heads," Lukashenko said. "Not only from the blast. People also received injuries from objects that fell from the ceiling." Following the attack, the Interior Ministry began installing metal detectors at all stations.http://www.interfax.ru/society/news.asp?id=185291 В метро Минска установили металлоискатели Interfax.ru 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20120325000856/http://www.interfax.ru/society/news.asp?id=185291 25 March 2012 Investigation President 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.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13042316 Belarus: Blast rocks Minsk metro near Lukashenko office BBC News 11 April 2011 11 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110413000723/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13042316 13 April 2011 A thorough investigation into the explosion was ordered. "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 the Moscow Metro. 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.http://naviny.by/rubrics/disaster/2011/04/12/ic_articles_124_173218/ Теракты в Беларуси. Новая кровь Naviny.by 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110414060714/http://naviny.by/rubrics/disaster/2011/04/12/ic_articles_124_173218/ 14 April 2011 The Belarusian State Security Committee announced that they would pay anyone who had photos or videos of the attack.http://lenta.ru/news/2011/04/12/bomb/ КГБ Белоруссии заплатит за фото и видео взрыва в метро Lenta.ru 20 March 2011 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110416060743/http://lenta.ru/news/2011/04/12/bomb/ 16 April 2011 The opposition newspaper Nasha Niva provided certain material.https://archive.today/20121203012419/http://lenta.ru/news/2011/04/12/fotovideo/%D0%9A%D0%93%D0%91 Белоруссии обратился за помощью к оппозиционной газете Three residents of Minsk were detained "for spreading provocative rumors, sowing panic". These people were alleged to be spreading false information about the bombing on Internet forums and social networking sites.http://lenta.ru/news/2011/04/12/rumours/ В Минске задержали распространителей слухов Lenta.ru 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110416060956/http://lenta.ru/news/2011/04/12/rumours/ 16 April 2011 Arrests Several people were arrested on 12 April and the facial composite of the bomber was released.http://www.belta.by/ru/all_news/society/Po-delu-o-terakte-v-Minske-zaderzhany-neskolko-lits---Shved_i_549848.html По делу о теракте в Минске задержаны несколько лиц – Швед Belta.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110414232710/http://www.belta.by/ru/all_news/society/Po-delu-o-terakte-v-Minske-zaderzhany-neskolko-lits---Shved_i_549848.html 14 April 2011 Three possible motives of the terrorist attack were being investigated: as a destabilisation attempt, the action of an extremist anarchist organisation and the action of an unhealthy person.http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90716 КГБ: Версии теракта в Минске – попытка дестабилизировать обстановку, месть анархистов, действия психа Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110416061214/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90716 16 April 2011 Following the arrests, the third motive was now considered the correct one, that the attack was an act of an unhealthy person. Through cooperation with Interpol, fingerprint evidence provided by the Belarusian Interior Ministry matched the fingerprints of the perpetrator of the Metro attack with prints from the Independence Day bombing in 2008.http://www.interpol.int/News-and-media/News-media-releases/2011/PR039 INTERPOL confirms that fingerprints from April 2011 Minsk subway terror attack suspect match those of July 2008 Minsk terror bombing 13 May 2011 Interpol 31 March 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111209105804/http://www.interpol.int/News-and-media/News-media-releases/2011/PR039 9 December 2011 According to the investigation, the bomb was unique and the foreign investigators also expressed great interest in it.Для взрыва в минском метро использована не имеющая аналогов в мире взрывчатка https://web.archive.org/web/20110414234023/http://www.belta.by/ru/all_news/society/Dlja-vzryva-v-minskom-metro-ispolzovana-ne-imejuschaja-analogov-v-mire-vzryvchatka_i_550270.html 14 April 2011 Lukashenko declared that they may have knowledge into who "ordered the attack".http://www.freep.com/article/20110414/NEWS07/104140447/3-admit-roles-blast-police-nab-dissidents Detroit Free Press Detroit Free Press 22 June 2018 He also claimed they had admitted their guilt and described the investigation by the police and the Belarusian State Security Committee as a "brilliant operation".Tom Parfitt "Belarus police arrest two people after Minsk metro blast" https://web.archive.org/web/20160724083442/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/13/belarus-bomb-two-men-arrested 24 July 2016 , The Guardian, 13 April 2011 He claimed that they admitted they were also guilty for the Vitebsk and Independence Day attacks. He also said their motives remained unclear.СРОЧНО! Теракт в минском метро раскрыт, исполнители задержаны https://web.archive.org/web/20110416074820/http://www.belta.by/ru/all_news/president/SROChNO-Terakt-v-minskom-metro-raskryt-ispolniteli-zaderzhany_i_550176.html 16 April 2011 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.13 April 2011 Теракт в Минске раскрыт http://www.interfax.ru/society/txt.asp?id=185492 https://web.archive.org/web/20110418000937/http://www.interfax.ru/society/txt.asp?id=185492 18 April 2011 3 January 2024 Interfax Two of the arrested suspects were Uladzislau Kavalyou and Dzmitry Kanavalau. Kavalyov was born and raised in Vitebsk by a single mother and moved to Minsk in 2010 where he got a job. On 10 April 2011 Kavalyov's friend Dzmitry Kanavalau came to Minsk to meet a girl he had met online. Kanavalau worked at a tractor factory in Vitebsk. Kanavalau rented an apartment in Minsk between 10 and 13 April 2011, which Kavalyov shared with him for those three days. Controversies Initial scepticism about the official version of events pointed out that there are no significant ethnic or religious divides in Belarus, nor any history of violent political opposition.https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/0412/Belarus-seeks-two-in-terror-attack-that-baffles-security-experts Belarus seeks two in terror attack that baffles security experts Weir The Christian Science Monitor 12 April 2011 3 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182734/https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/0412/Belarus-seeks-two-in-terror-attack-that-baffles-security-experts live Fred Moreover, most of Lukashenko's opponents were either in prison or under surveillance by the Belarusian KGB. Andrei Soldatov, an analyst at Agentura.Ru, opined that organising and executing the bombing required specialised training and that "In Belarus there is no opposition group that has that kind of experience. Indeed, there doesn't seem to be anyone at all capable of doing that, if we exclude the authorities." The day after the bombing, president Lukashenko suggested that it might be linked to the Independence Day bombing three years earlier. The very next day, the two suspects had confessed to as much. The UN Security Council issues a standard statement whenever a UN member country suffers a terrorist attack.https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/04/13/dear-belarus-our-condolences-kind-of/ Dear Belarus: Our Condolences. Kind of Lynch Foreign Policy 13 April 2011 2 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182946/https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/04/13/dear-belarus-our-condolences-kind-of/ live Colum The choice of words in such statements are of serious importance. In this case, the United States insisted on qualifying it as an "apparent terrorist attack", and this was the first time the council has ever used such phrasing in its response to an act of terror. Trial and execution thumb|right|A photo of a formal letter sent to the mother of Uladzislau Kavalyou, notifying her of her son's execution. The trial began in September 2011. Kavalyov and Kanavalau were found guilty in November. Both Kavalyov and Kanavalau were executed by shooting sometime in early March 2012. The exact time and place of the executions of the convicts were kept secret. On 15 March 2012 the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the Belarusian government for implementing the death penalty.https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-double-executions-draw-eu-condemnation/a-15815544 Belarus' double executions draw EU condemnation Deutsche Welle Deutsche Welle 18 March 2012 3 July 2021 9 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182446/https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-double-executions-draw-eu-condemnation/a-15815544 live The Belarusian Foreign Ministry's press service stated that the resolution indicates serious interference in the internal affairs of the country.April 2023 On 17 March 2012, Kavalyou's mother was informed. She received a notification saying that her son's execution had been carried out.April 2023 International reaction section April 2026 April 2026 thumb|250px|Flowers in front of the Embassy of Belarus in Moscow Supranational bodies United Nations — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon 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."© РИА Новости. Сергей Самохин http://rian.ru/world/20110412/363506724.html Генсек ООН соболезнует жертвам взрыва в Минске RIA Novosti 31 March 2011 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110415110611/http://rian.ru/world/20110412/363506724.html 15 April 2011 The Security Council issued a statement calling the incident an "apparent" terrorist attack. An anonymous 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."Worship Patrick https://www.reuters.com/article/us-belarus-blast-un-idUSTRE73C7PM20110413 U.N. council condemns "apparent terrorist" Minsk attack Reuters 13 April 2011 15 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110417100330/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/13/us-belarus-blast-un-idUSTRE73C7PM20110413 17 April 2011 Another anonymous 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." European Union — 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".http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90725 Высокий представитель ЕС К.Эштон выразила поддержку белорусскому народу Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110417004638/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90725 17 April 2011 European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek expressed condolences and said "I wish a speedy and full recovery to the injured. The cause of the blast must be fully investigated".http://channel6newsonline.com/2011/04/update-3-at-least-7-dead-in-belarus-metro-blast-90-injured/ At least 7 dead in Belarus metro blast, 90 injured Channel6newsonline.com 4 July 2008 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110414003724/http://channel6newsonline.com/2011/04/update-3-at-least-7-dead-in-belarus-metro-blast-90-injured/ 14 April 2011 border|30px Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe — Chairperson-in-Office Audronius Ažubalis expressed condolences.http://www.euroradio.fm/report/starshynya-abse-vykazaw-spachuvann%D1%96-narodu-belarus%D1%96 Старшыня АБСЕ выказаў спачуванні народу Беларусі Euroradio.fm 11 April 2011 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20111004074906/http://www.euroradio.fm/report/starshynya-abse-vykazaw-spachuvann%D1%96-narodu-belarus%D1%96 4 October 2011 border|25px CSTO — Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha expressed condolences.http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90645 Жестокий теракт в Минске требует коллективного отпора, заявляет генсек ОДКБ Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110415003045/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90645 15 April 2011 State officials Armenia — President Serzh Sargsyan sent condolences and expressed readiness to organize the treatment of victims in hospitals in Yerevan.http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90724 Армения готова лечить пострадавших от взрыва в Минске Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150128/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90724 5 October 2011 Azerbaijan — 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, and all the people of Belarus."http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90709 Президент Азербайджана осудил теракт в Минске Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150204/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90709 5 October 2011 China — 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".http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90634 Китай поддерживает усилия белорусского руководства по противодействию терроризму – МИД Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150242/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90634 5 October 2011 Estonia — 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."President Ilves expresses his condolences to Belarus https://web.archive.org/web/20110806041354/http://www.president.ee/en/media/press-releases/5958-president-ilves-expresses-his-condolences-to-belarus/index.html 6 August 2011 France — A statement from the Foreign Ministry described the incident only as an "explosion". June 2018 Georgia — Press secretary of the 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".http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90664 Грузия соболезнует в связи с терактом в Минске Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150328/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90664 5 October 2011 Israel — Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman expressed his condolences.http://newsru.co.il/israel/12apr2011/liberman_202.html Окружение Либермана и МВБ подтверждают: в Минск вылетят израильские специалисты Newsru.co.il 12 April 2011 15 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110415011716/http://www.newsru.co.il/israel/12apr2011/liberman_202.html live Kyrgyzstan — 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".О.Бабанов: Теракт в Минске не скажется на решении Киргизии вступить в ТС. https://web.archive.org/web/20111001173606/http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/20110412160734.shtml 1 October 2011 Latvia — President Valdis Zatlers expressed condolences to the people of Belarus in the wake of the explosion, particularly expressing his concern for those who were injured or killed in the event and expressed hope that those who were hurt would soon get better.http://www.president.lv/pk/content/?art_id=17251 https://archive.today/20120907200327/http://www.president.lv/pk/content/?art_id=17251 dead 7 September 2012 President Zatlers Expresses Condolences to Belarus Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis offered his condolences to the Foreign Minister of Belarus and to the people of Belarus.http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2011/april/12-1/ Foreign Minister offers condolences to Belarusian colleague on tragic explosion in metro station Mfa.gov.lv 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20120308192215/http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2011/april/12-1/ 8 March 2012 Lithuania — President Dalia Grybauskaitė, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, Seimas Speaker Irena Degutienė and Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis expressed their condolences by the name of the Lithuanian nation and condemned the violence in Belarus.http://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/world/minske-metro-nugriaudejo-sprogimas-zuvo-11-zmoniu.d?id=44283077 Minske metro nugriaudėjo sprogimas, žuvo 11 žmonių 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110413064635/http://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/world/minske-metro-nugriaudejo-sprogimas-zuvo-11-zmoniu.d?id=44283077 13 April 2011 Lithuania also offered to give free treatment in its resorts to all injured people.Литва готова безвозмездно оказать Беларуси помощь по реабилитации пострадавших https://web.archive.org/web/20110414125305/http://news.tut.by/tragedy/223243.html 14 April 2011 Moldova — 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".Эстония и Молдова выразили соболезнования в связи с терактом в Беларуси https://web.archive.org/web/20110415002323/http://afn.by/news/i/151091 15 April 2011 Poland — 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".http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90675 Глава МИД Польши направил соболезнования в связи с трагедией в минском метро Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150401/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90675 5 October 2011 Russia — 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."http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=16152635&PageNum=0December 2017 Underlying lk yes 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".http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=444155&cid=9 Власти Минска предлагают объявить днем траура 14 апреля Vesti.ru 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20120404141830/http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=444155&cid=9 4 April 2012 Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus', Kirill addressed Belarusians with words of support and condolences.http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90666 Патриарх Кирилл выразил поддержку белорусскому народу после теракта в метро Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150447/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90666 5 October 2011 The Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia sent a team of doctors.http://lenta.ru/news/2011/04/12/doctors/ В Минск отправят бригаду российских врачей Lenta.ru 29 March 2011 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110413172327/http://lenta.ru/news/2011/04/12/doctors/ 13 April 2011 Tajikistan — President Emomalii Rahmon said "We condemn this act of violence and pledge to support all efforts to eradicate terrorism".Таджикистан осудил теракт в минском метрополитене https://web.archive.org/web/20110728011503/http://www.ca-news.org/news/655241 28 July 2011 Turkmenistan — President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow expressed his condolences.Глава Туркмении выразил соболезнования президенту Белоруссии https://web.archive.org/web/20121009033636/http://www.regnum.ru/news/fd-abroad/1394070.html 9 October 2012 Ukraine — President Viktor Yanukovych 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 a speedy recovery to all injured".http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90643 В.Янукович выразил соболезнования в связи с гибелью людей в минском метро Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110415012356/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90643 15 April 2011 United Kingdom – Minister for Europe David Lidington stated that he was "deeply shocked and saddened by the casualties and loss of life" and that the United Kingdom "utterly condemns all such actions, and our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic event."Minister for Europe 'shocked and saddened' by blast in Minsk, Belarus 12 April 2011 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/minister-for-europe-shocked-and-saddened-by-blast-in-minsk-belarus Foreign and Commonwealth Office 21 January 2019 22 January 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190122045801/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/minister-for-europe-shocked-and-saddened-by-blast-in-minsk-belarus live United States – The State Department condemned the bombing but notably did not term it terrorism. Uzbekistan — President Islam Karimov sent his condolences to the 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".http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90718 Президент Каримов соболезнует Беларуси Interfax.by 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150635/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90718 5 October 2011 Venezuela — President Hugo Chávez expressed his condolences.Лидер Венесуэлы выражает соболезнования Беларуси в связи с терактом в Минске https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150646/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90837 5 October 2011 Vietnam — 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".Туркмения и Вьетнам соболезнуют Беларуси в связи с гибелью людей при взрыве в минском метро https://web.archive.org/web/20111005150708/http://www.interfax.by/news/belarus/90790 5 October 2011 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus received condolences from the Foreign Ministers of Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Poland, Ukraine, Finland, Estonia and Japan on 12 April.http://www.mfa.gov.by/press/news_mfa/bca76082f43cc05c.html О соболезнованиях внешнеполитических ведомств зарубежных государств в связи с трагическими событиями в Минске Mfa.gov.by 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110417041531/http://mfa.gov.by/press/news_mfa/bca76082f43cc05c.html 17 April 2011 On 13 April condolences came from the Foreign Ministers of Germany, Turkey, Iran, Italy and Russia.http://www.mfa.gov.by/press/news_mfa/bca76082f43cc05c.html О соболезнованиях внешнеполитических ведомств зарубежных государств в связи с трагическими событиями в Минске (обновлено) Mfa.gov.by 13 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110417041531/http://mfa.gov.by/press/news_mfa/bca76082f43cc05c.html 17 April 2011 The President's office also received condolences from leaders of Turkey, Slovakia and Cuba.В Беларусь продолжают поступать соболезнования в связи с терактом в метро https://web.archive.org/web/20110415040827/http://news.tut.by/tragedy/223331.html 15 April 2011 Political reaction Political interests outside of Belarus have questioned the official version of events as well as the investigation and court proceedings, repeatedly calling for Belarus to pardon those convicted as well as abolishing the death penalty.http://telegraf.by/en/2012/03/evroparlament-prizivaet-lukashenko-pomilovat-konovalova-i-kovaleva Europe Urges Lukashenko to Pardon Konovalov and Kovalev 16 March 2012 Telegraf.by 31 March 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120320033402/http://telegraf.by/en/2012/03/evroparlament-prizivaet-lukashenko-pomilovat-konovalova-i-kovaleva 20 March 2012 According to the EU the investigation was not properly conducted and subsequently the trial not conducted on legal grounds. This point of view has even led the German Parliament to officially question the objectivity of the international investigation, accusing Interpol of willfully acquiescing to the "faulty" evidence provided by Belarusian investigators.http://telegraf.by/en/2012/03/nemeckii-deputat-interpol-shagaet-pod-ruku-s-lukashenko German MP: Interpol Walks Arm in Arm with Lukashenko 23 March 2012 Telegraf.by 31 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120616105356/http://telegraf.by/en/2012/03/nemeckii-deputat-interpol-shagaet-pod-ruku-s-lukashenko 16 June 2012 dead International aid The press service of the Belarusian president reported that Israel, Russia and the United Kingdom offered to help in the investigation. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also offered all necessary assistance in the investigation of the incident.http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/04/11/48794434.html Medvedev offers Lukashenko assistance in investigating metro blast English.ruvr.ru 12 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110413063656/http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/04/11/48794434.html 13 April 2011 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.© РИА Новости. Сергей Самохин http://rian.ru/incidents/20110412/363527667.html Взрывотехники из Британии, Израиля и России едут в Минск RIA Novosti 31 March 2011 12 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110414040252/http://rian.ru/incidents/20110412/363527667.html 14 April 2011 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 was the head of the Medical Corps' trauma department, Alon Galzberg. The team began operations by examining the steps 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.IDF Medical Corps Aid Delegation Departs for Belarus http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/04/13/idf-medical-corps-aid-delegation-departs-for-belarus/ IDF Blog Israel Defense Forces 13 April 2011 13 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110416064138/http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/04/13/idf-medical-corps-aid-delegation-departs-for-belarus/ 16 April 2011 live Israel also sent an expert team of Shin Bet specialists as well as a police forensic team and experts in the field of combating terror. See also Belarus Trains List of massacres in Belarus Capital punishment in Belarus References External links 2011 Minsk Metro bombing ru 2011 Minsk Metro bombing infos and news Category:Attacks in Europe in 2011 Category:2010s in Minsk Category:2011 mass murders Category:Massacres in Belarus Category:Minsk Metro Category:Terrorist incidents in Belarus Category:Terrorist incidents in Europe in 2011 Category:Train bombings in Europe Category:Filmed improvised explosive device bombings Category:Crime in Minsk Category:Terrorist incidents on subterranean rapid transit Category:2011 murders in Belarus Category:2011 disasters in Belarus Category:Railway accidents and incidents in Belarus Category:April 2011 crimes in Europe Category:Nail bombings