Syarhei Kavalenka goes on hunger strike

The activist from Vitebsk is kept in a temporary detention facility on a decision by the Pershamaiski district militia department.

He was placed under detention for 10 days on July 8, Radio Svaboda reports.

Syarhei Kavalenka said he had been on hunger strike since July 9. He protests against his unlawful arrest, accusations of disorderly conduct and the criminal sentence for hanging out a national white-red-white flag on the city’s Christmas tree.

Last time, Syarhei Kavalenka was detained near his house for alleged violation of serving suspended sentence for hanging out the national flag.

Militiamen drew up a report saying he returned home after 9 pm, which was considered a violation of the regime. Activist’s mother Lidziya Kavalenka says militiamen were waiting for Syarhei at the entrance and didn’t let him in the house until 9 pm.

The activist’s relatives worries the recorded violation of the rules may carry substitution of punishment for Syarhei Kavalenka. He may be sentenced to restriction of liberty or even imprisonment instead of suspended sentence.