On 21 February Pershamaiski district court of Vitsebsk will start the trial of Siarhei Kavalenka, who is accused of violating the regime of suspended sentence imposed on him for putting out the 
white-red-white flag on 7 January, 2010 in the town Christmas tree in the centre of Vitsebsk. A member of the Conservative Christian Party – Belarusian Popular Front faces up to three years of imprisonment. However, he believes the criminal charges to be a retaliation for his public activities, and on 19 December 2011 he went on hunger strike which continues to this day.
"The charges of wilful evading punishment are absurd – said human rights defender Valiantsin Stefanovich (right). – I also wan
t to remind that originally Kavalenka was blamed not only for violation of public order, but also for resisting police.However, it was the time of "liberalization" and Kavalenka was left at liberty, even though a suspended sentence was imposed on him. Now for the Vitsebsk city officials, such a person creates too many problems, so they are trying to isolate him. "
According to the lawyer of Siarhei Kavalenka, the hunger strike of the oppositionist was suspended by force on 16 January he was force fed through a tube.According to the facility head, after that Siarhei Kavalenka ate once per day for a short time. At the present moment, the lawyer claims that Siarhei refuses to eat or be force fed.
"He continues the official hunger strike.Yesterday it had already lasted for 58 days. His state of health has worsened and we fear for his life. According to the lawyer, the functioning of internal organs has worsened . … "- said on 15 February his wife Alena.
European Parliament President called for the release of Siarhei Kavalenka
M
artin Schulz (left) among other issues discussed the situation in Belarus during a meeting with the Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Štefan Füle. After the meeting, Martin Schulz made a statement , which said the following:
"I am appalled by the deteriorating situation in Belarus regarding human rights and political freedoms The Belarus authorities will have blood on their hands if he dies. The prolonged hunger strike by jailed opposition activist Syarhey Kavalenka highlights violations of democratic principles and disrespect for the rule of law. Kavalenka’s life is now under threat from the hunger strike against his unjustified imprisonment. I urge the Belarusian authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally and to provide him with the necessary medical assistance."
Belarusian human rights defenders called upon Kavalenka to stop hunger strike
On 14 February HRC "Vi
asna" addressed Siarhei Kavalenka with the following statement: "We are watching Your brave deed in the form of hunger-strike and Your struggle for Your convictions behind bars with a great concern. We urge You to stop the hunger-strike as soon as possible, as far as the present authorities respect neither Your convictions, nor Your life. We consider that Your persecution has solely political motivation and urge You to save Your health for the wife, the children, Belarus and its future.
If Your verdict will include imprisonment we will struggle for Your release from jail, as well as for the release of every political prisoner. The present authorities have committed many crimes already, but You needn’t sacrifice Yourself in such a way.
***
Kavalenka has been detained in Vitsebsk prison since 19 December 2011. On 20 December, he went on hunger strike in protest against his detention. Kavalenka was detained on basis of Article 415 of the Criminal Code (evasion of serving punishment of restriction of liberty), activist faces up to three years of imprisonment. The reason for the prosecution were four violations, Kavalenka allegedly committed while serving a sentence of Kastrychnitski district court of Vitsebsk. In May 2010 he was sentenced to three years imprisonment for putting out a white-red-white flag on the main Christmas tree in Vitsebsk on 7 January.
Related articles
Pressure and threats to life and health – the news of political prisoners
December 19 – year after the elections
HR Centre “Viasna”: Dialogue with Lukashenka is impossible while there are political prisoners
 was arrested on 19 December and since than has been keeping hunger strike protesting against his detention and the charges brought against him. It is dangerous for his health and the civic society is worried about the situation. European and Belarusian politicians and human rights defender called upon Siarhei to stop the hunger strike.&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F){kind=link}