Political prisoner Prakapenka goes on hunger strike in punishment cell

Artsiom Prakapenka, political prisoner serving his 7-year sentence in the penal colony of Mahiliou, has declared a hunger strike after he had been placed in a punishment cell on 15 August, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.

According to the prisoner’s mother, her son is being isolated by the colony’s administration.

Artsiom Prakapenka was earlier deprived of his right to purchase food in the prison’s store. Artsiom, who is a vegetarian, also faces extreme difficulties taking meals. Apart from that, he can only receive mail from his parents; all other letters are blocked by the prison officials.