Human rights defender demands to change restraint to Siarhei Kavalenka

Pavel Levinau has filed the ninth appeal with Judge of the Pershamaiski District Court of Vitsebsk Alena Zhuk who had sentenced Siarhei Kavalenka to 2 years and 1 months of imprisonment on 24 February 2011. The judge has the right to change restraint to the prisoner till the enforcement of the verdict.

The human rights defender writes that the life of Mr. Kavalenka is in a real danger due to a long hunger-strike and it would be quite difficult for him to recover after in prison.

“Kavalenka presents no danger to the society and the state. He is not a rapist, murderer or a robber. That’s why he could be released from jail and placed in hospital,” says Pavel Levinau.

However, the judge answers such appeals with statements that he has no right to file such appeals as he is not Siarhei’s relative and has no relation to his criminal case. However, she also refused to change the restraint to the prisoner on request of his wife, Alena Kavalenka, who had also filed repeated appeals for it.

So, Pavel Levinau addressed the Investigative Committee with the requirement to start proceedings concerning the refusal of the judge to change restraint to Siarhei Kavalenka, whose life and health are in danger.