Jailed Belarus opposition activist is forcibly fed in prison clinic
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 April 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Jailed Belarus opposition activist is forcibly fed in prison clinic, 2 April 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4f7d636bc.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 02, 2012
VITSEBSK, Belarus – Jailed Belarusian opposition activist Syarhey Kavalenka, whose health has deteriorated due to a lengthy hunger strike, reportedly is being forcibly fed in a prison psychiatric clinic in the eastern city of Vitsebsk.
Prison officials told Kavalenka's relatives on April 2 that Kavalenka's state of health is "close to grave" and a decision was made to feed him forcibly with a milk formula using a feeding tube.
Kavalenka, 37, was sentenced in February to 25 months in jail for a parole violation.
He was detained in December for allegedly violating the terms of his parole for a conviction on charges of "illegally displaying the banned Belarusian national flag."
He began his hunger strike shortly after his detention.
Officials force-fed him in January, but he resumed his hunger strike in February.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
