Philosopher Uladzimir Mackievič goes on a hunger strike in prison

February 4, BPN. 65-year-old philosopher Uladzimir Mackievič went on a hunger strike in the pre-trial detention center on February 4, his colleagues reported on his Facebook page.

Earlier, Mackievič announced his intentions to go on a hunger strike unless his preventive measure is changed to release on his own recognizance and the case is sent to court with a date set for a trial.

Mackievič’s regular detention period expired on February 4. He was not released and his demands were not met.

The philosopher plans to drink only water for the first ten days. If his demands are not met during this time, he intends to start a dry hunger strike.

“A hunger strike is an extreme measure,” the message says. “Uladzimir has a hunger-strike experience when his demands were met: the case with the defense of the New Life Church building [in 2006]. Back then his hunger strike lasted for 23 days. But he was not in prison. A hunger strike is a way of pressure. The prisoner’s only argument may be his body and his life. We know that today there are virtually no arguments for the regime, as it is not afraid of condemnation and it does not aspire to look civilized. Still, the wider the outcry and pressure, the greater the chances for Uladzimir’s victory.”

Mackievič was detained on August 4, 2021. He is currently held at the 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).

The philosopher 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.