Belarusian Helsinki Committee asks the UN to intervene in the case of the filosopher Mackievič, on a hunger strike in the detention center since February 4

February 12, BPN. The Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC) appealed to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and to the UN Special Rapporteurs regarding the case of the political prisoner and philosopher Uladzimir Mackievič, who has been on a hunger strike in the pre-trial detention center since February 4.

“We asked the Special Rapporteurs to take urgent action in this case, as Uladzimir’s firm intention to begin a dry hunger strike and to keep it until his demands are met could have irreversible consequences for his life and health, especially taking into account his age,” the BHC noted. “Using the Mackievič case as an example, we highlighted the widespread practice of keeping people accused in politically motivated cases in custody for as long as possible without carrying out investigative actions. We consider it as a form of pressure and coercion of people to refuse exercising their rights, as well as participating in public or political activities.”

Another term of Uladzimir Mackievič’s detention expired on February 4 and he was not released. Since his demands were not met – the preventive measure was not changed to release on his own recognisance, the investigation was not completed and the case was not sent to court with a date set for a hearing – the philosopher began a hunger strike.

Before going on a hunger strike, the political prisoner announced that he would drink water, but if his demands were not met, he intended to start a dry hunger strike.

On February 11, Mackievič confirmed through his lawyer his intentions to go on a dry hunger strike on February 15. “How am I feeling? Increasing weakness, the rest is as usual. Monday is a critical day: on Monday I will still be drinking water, and on Monday something may still be decided. I’m going on a dry hunger strike on Tuesday,” he said.

Mackievič was detained on August 4, 2021. He is held in 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.