Autukhovich’s detention may be extended

• 26.06.2009, 9:00

The detention may be extended because a new criminal case was instigated against the political prisoner on hunger strike.

We remind that the new case is related to illegal handling of arms. As lawyer of the entrepreneur Pavel Sapelka told Euroradio, a term of detention of Mikalai Autukhovich may be changed.

“A question of a term of detention will be solved in the nearest time. July 3 is coming, the term when Autukhovich must be released from the detention facility,” the lawyer said.

Chairman of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka raised a question about Autukhovich’s hunger strike at a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. To a question if Autukhovich knows about this the lawyer answered he tries to tell him the latest news.

The entrepreneur has been on hunger strike for 71 days. The lawyer says the condition of his health remains stable. According to him, Autukhovich tries to not to move and lies all the time.

Leaders of entrerpeenurs from Vaukavysk Mikalai Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau, and Uladzimir Asipenka were detained on February 8, 2008 allegedly on a charge of arsons. Human rights activists consider the arrested to be political prisoners drawing attention to the fact Autukhovich and Lyavonau were convicted before and recognized prisoners of conscience by the international community.