Pavel Sapelka: “As before, there are no proofs of Autukhovich’s blame”

• 26.10.2009, 9:20

The lawyer of the businessman from Vaukavysk says he doesn’t see any progress in recovering of his client after the hunger strike.

As lawyer Pavel Sapelka, who visited his client in the detention facility on October 23, noted Mikalai Autukhovich was still recovering after the hungry strike.

According to the lawyer, the state of health of the political prisoner remains the same. He doesn’t feel worse, but a significant progress is not noticed as well – Autukhovich is still recovering after the hungry strike, “Belorusski Partizan” reports.

The lawyer said the investigation has been held for the eighth month, but no results are seen.

“Preliminary detention can’t last forever. It’s better to admit there are no proofs of Autukhovich’s blame, as before,” Pavel Sapelka stressed. The lawyer doesn’t exclude that a “new witness” can appear in the case to give evidence against Mikalai Autukhovich and Uladzimir Asipenka, who are charged with intentional arson.

Lyudmila Asipenka says her father hasn’t been involved in investigative activities since October 8.

“He was informed about extension of preliminary investigation on October 8. He has been visited by investigators, lawyers, or detectives since that time.”

Mikalai Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau, and Uladzimir Asipenka were detained in Vaukavysk on February 8, 2009. On February 18, the entrepreneurs were charged under article 218 of the Criminal Code (intentional damage to or destruction of property of citizens). On June 23, a criminal case under article 359 of the Criminal Code (a terroristic act) in the form of preparation (article 13) was instigated against Autukhovich and “other persons”.

Mikalai Autukhovich was on hunger strike from April 16 to July 16. He demanded either to take the case to the court as soon as possible, or to change the measure of restraint for all persons involved in the case from imprisonment to a written undertaking not to leave the place.

Human rights activists consider them political prisoners, turning attention to the fact that Autukhovich and Lyavonau were convicted before and recognized prisoners of conscience by the international community.

Vaukavysk businessman Yury Lyavonau was released from Minsk remand prison on August 8. The case against him was closed on September 24.