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Russia will defend its citizens detained in Qatar - ministry

MOSCOW. Feb 29 (Interfax) - Russia will defend the interests of the two Russian citizens detained in Qatar, including in court, sources in the Foreign Ministry's information department told Interfax on Sunday.

"But at this stage, the most important thing is to ensure the earliest possible release of the illegally detained Russian citizens," he said.

Three Russians were detained in Qatar on suspicion of being involved in organizing a car boming in the country's capital of Doha on February 13, which killed Chechen separatist leader Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev.

Russian officials later announced that the three men were special service officers attached to the embassy in Doha.

Russia described their detention as a provocation and demanded their release, and categorically denied any involvement in Yandarbiyev's death.

As a result of the efforts made by Russian officials, one of the detainees was released. The two others are still charged with involvement in Yandarbiyev's murder.

Interfax has learned from Russian diplomats that a group of lawyers has been formed to defend the detained citizens. The lawyers are ready to fly to Qatar at any moment.