Vitsebsk human rights defender demands release of Siarhei Kavalenka

Vitsebsk human rights defender Pavel Levinau has submitted a written appeal with Pershamaiski District Court demanding a milder measure of restraint for the imprisoned opposition activist Siarhei Kavalenka, ahead of the trial he is to stand on 21 February.

The activist’s pre-trial detention is a political move, as there virtually no other means of isolating him, says the human rights defender. “Siarhei Kavalenka is of no threat to the society or the state. He is not a murderer or a robber, he is not a fight-starter”, says Mr. Levinau.

The activist must be released, either on bail or recognizance, just because he has been on hunger-strike for two months already.

Siarhei Kavalenka’s relatives say the activist’s health is critical and he is desperately in need of medical treatment in hospital.