Political prisoner Autukhovich between life and death: his hunger strike lasts 56 days
21- 10.06.2009, 12:44
The authorities do not react to the hunger strike of the arrested entrepreneur, though he has lost more than 25 kilograms of weight already.
On June 9 his lawyer Paval Sapelka took part in the investigative experiment with participation of Mikalai Autukhovich. It is unknown with whom the face-to-face confrontation of the political prisoner was held because of “secrecy of investigation”. But these confrontations are usually held with other person involved in a case.
The lawyer told Radio Svaboda about the state of health of Mikalai Autukhovich on the 56th day of the hunger strike: “He still can walk. At least, he came to the investigator’s office himself. But he looks very tired and weak. Another problem has emerged now: he needs a dentist’s help”.
As for loss of weight during the hunger strike, as said by Autukhovich, according to the latest reports, Autukhovich reduced by 25 kilograms. However, considering that a week has passed since that time, the figures could be larger.
The lawyer plans to meet with Autukhovich again in the end of this week. Sapelka hasn’t defined more exactly whether some investigatory actions are to take place or he just plans to visit his client. As said by him, the political prisoner is still held in the medical unit of the remand prison.
Yesterday Paval Sapelka send an appeal to the prosecutor’s office of Belarus against actions of the investigator, Vitaly Kukharenka, who is in charge of Autukhovich’s case. The lawyer hasn’t said against what he appealed, referring to “secrecy of investigation” again.
Leaders of entrepreneur’s movement from Vaukavysk Mikalay Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau and Uladzimir Asipenka were detained on February 8, 2009. On February 18 he was charged under article 218 of the Criminal Code (deliberate damage of property). Human rights activists believe that the detained are political prisoners, referring to the fact that Autukhovich and Lyavonau were previously convicted and recognized prisoners of conscience by the international community.
Mikalai Autukhovich announced a hunger strike on April 16, demanding to hold a trial or to close the criminal case.
