Philosopher Uladzimir Mackievič intends to go on hunger strike if his custodial measure is not changed

February 3, BPN. 65-year-old philosopher Uladzimir Mackievič announced his intentions to start a hunger strike on February 4 if his demands are not met, Mackievič’s colleagues reported on his Facebook page.

He demands that the preventive measure be changed to release on his own recognisance, that the investigation be completed, that the case be transferred to court and that a date be set for the trial.

During the first ten days, Mackievič plans to drink water during the hunger strike, and in case his demands are not met, he plans to switch to a dry hunger strike.

“Mackievič is aware of all possible consequences and has no illusions about the fairness of the judicial and law enforcement system. We appeal to all those concerned about the fate of Uladzimir Mackievič to disseminate this information as widely as possible,” the statement reads.

On 4 February, one more month of Mackievič’s detention, which was extended by one month on 4 January, expires.

The philosopher was detained on August 4, 2021 and is being held at pre-trial detention center No. 1 on Valadarskaha Street in Minsk. He is charged under Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order).

Mackievič does not admit guilt and believes that his articles, statements, ideas and thoughts served as the basis for his detention and charges.

Uladzimir Mackievič is a public and political figure, TV presenter, the founder and the head of the Humanitarian Technologies Agency, the first head of the EuroBelarus international consortium’s Council, the founder of the Flying University. He is a core member of the Coordinating Council for the settlement of the political crisis in Belarus.