A Crimean activist who opposed Russia’s annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine has entered the 101st day of his hunger strike inside a Russian prison.
A Russian court sentenced Crimean farmer Volodymyr Balukh to three years and seven months on arms possession charges in 2017, though he alleges he was arrested for flying a Ukrainian flag outside his home. Recognized as a political prisoner by the human rights group Memorial, Balukh launched a hunger strike on March 19 to protest new charges claiming he assaulted a prison guard.
Tuesday, June 26, marked the 100th day of Balukh’s hunger strike, the Krym.Realii news website reported.
“After several months of starving... Volodymyr is completely exhausted, and his condition is close to critical,” says an online petition launched in his support.
Balukh reportedly expressed solidarity with anti-government demonstrations by hanging a Ukrainian flag and leaving it draped outside his Crimean home well after the peninsula was annexed in March 2014.
Memorial concludes with “a high degree of probability” that he was charged with arms possession for hanging a Ukrainian-language sign honoring the protesters who were killed during Ukraine’s Maidan revolution.
The activist has lost 30 kilograms on a diet of water that for a time included crackers and “kisel,” sweet juice thickened with starch, according to the petition.
The petition, started by the same campaign seeking the release of Crimean filmmaker Oleg Sentsov –– himself on day 45 of his hunger strike in Russian jail –– calls on supporters to appeal for Balukh’s release with the Russian authorities.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
