Political prisoner Mikalai Autukhovich went on hunger strike (Updated)

Businessman from Vaukavysk Mikalai Autukhovich, kept in the Minsk prison in Akrestsin Street for the third month, went on indefinite hunger strike.

The Charter’97 press center learnt this from Pavel Sapyolka, lawyer of the arrested businessman.

“Autukhovich went on hunger strike on April 16. He demands the investigation to be carried out as soon as possible or the measure of restrain to be changed,” the lawyer said.

Mikalai Autukhovich pleads not guilty and demands that the case should be sent from the Ministry of Internal Affaires to the General Prosecutor’s Office for investigation. The political prisoner finds all accusations absurd. The entrepreneur is going to be on hunger strike until he, Uladzimir Asipenka, and Yury Lyavonau are not changed the measure of restraint.

Lawyer Pavel Sapyolka told in an interview to the Charter’97 Autukhovich wouldn’t stop hunger strike unless achieved his aim.

“He doesn’t feel well. He complains at heart and sight,” the lawyer said.

The lawyer can’t speak about the process of investigation in the relation with the secrecy of investigation. The only thing Paval Sapyolka could tell the Charter’97 press center is that the term Mikalai Autukhovich must remain in custody was prolonged till May 5.

Entrepreneurs from Vaukavysk Yury Lyavonau, Mikalai Autukovich, and Uladzimir Asipenka were detained on February 8. Their detention and search in their flats were authorized by the prosecutor of the Hrodna region. On February 18, the three businessmen were charged under article 218 of the Criminal Code (intentional destruction or damage to property of citizens).

Human rights activists regard the detainees political prisoners drawing attention to the fact M. Autukhovich and Y. Lyavonau were thrown into prison earlier and recognized prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International.