At 17:55 on April 11, 2011, an unidentified explosive device detonated at the Oktyabrskaya metro station, causing casualties. As of 02:30 on April 12, the death toll had reached 12 people (six of whom have been identified), and 149 sought medical assistance at healthcare facilities (22 of them in serious condition, 30 with moderate injuries). According to expert estimates, the explosive device had a power equivalent to 5 kg of TNT. The device, containing chopped reinforcement bars, 80x8 mm nails, and metal balls approximately 15 mm in diameter, was placed near a bench on the platform. The Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Belarus has initiated a criminal case under Part 3 of Article 289 ("Terrorism") of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. In accordance with the legislation, a state response system for acts of extremism has been activated. A national operational headquarters has been established at the State Security Committee (KGB) of the Republic of Belarus, headed by the Chairman of the KGB. An investigative team, led by the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus, Senior Councillor of Justice Shved A.I., is working at the scene. Law enforcement agencies have been placed on enhanced round-the-clock duty. At the suggestion of the leadership of the Russian Federation, experts from the Federal Security Service of Russia are expected to arrive by 08:00 on April 12. The national headquarters is maintaining a record of affected citizens. Information about casualties can be obtained by calling: (8 017) 233-92-68. Information about fatalities can be obtained from 09:00 to 18:00 at (8 017) 219-92-30, and from 18:00 to 09:00 at (8 017) 219-92-99. As of 01:00 on April 12, operational and investigative actions have yielded data regarding the most likely perpetrator of the explosion. A search is underway. Citizens who possess any information relevant to the criminal investigation, or to the identification and search for individuals involved in the organization and execution of the explosion, are requested to contact the KGB hotlines at (8 017) 219-92-99 or the Ministry of Internal Affairs duty service. Alternatively, please email: vzryv@tut.by (note: on behalf of the Public Relations Department of the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk City Executive Committee). Public Relations Centre of the KGB of the Republic of Belarus http://www.kgb.by/press/inform/15.html Important information for journalists: When publishing this press release, a reference to the Public Relations Centre of the KGB is mandatory. Contact telephone: 219-95-29, fax 219-81-11.

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