Statkevich: Hunger strike to support Autukhovich is canceled

Mikola Statkevich, the leader of the European Coalition pressure group, said that a hunger strike in support of Mikalai Autukhovich, who has been on hunger strike for two weeks behind bars, has been canceled. The hunger strike of opposition activists was supposed to take place at the office of the Belarusian Popular Front. Statkevich said the idea was initiated by Charter'97, but European Coalition, Popular Front and former political prisoners (Vyachaslau Siuchyk, Siarhei Skrabets, Mikola Statkevich) were ready to support the action.

Mikola Statkevich told the European Radio for Belarus: " We planned to begin a hunger strike in solidarity with Autukhovich and we planned to do it at the office of the Belarusian Popular Front and announce it on May 1. Popular Front leaders supported the action, but the council of their party took a different position. This is their rights, because these are their premises. But, unfortunately, I learned about their position just two hours ago. We have to cancel everything”.

In the view of Mikola Statkevich, the action would create inconvinience to the office.