Russian journalist on hunger strike in Akrestsina
A photo reporter of a Saint Petersburg newspaper “My District” Alexander Astafiyev has gone on a hunger strike. The journalist demands an immediate meeting with representatives of the Russian Embassy.
Astafiyev’s colleagues think that he was detained in the square a day ago. He was beaten and delivered to Minsk Detention Centre together with other journalists. He sent an SMS informing that he was in one of Minsk courts. However, the journalist’s phone is switched off almost all the time so it is not really possible to find out what he is accused of, informs radio “Echo of Petersburg”.
Saint Petersburg authorities have asked the local Belarusian Embassy Representative Office to help them find the journalist. Meanwhile, the Belarusian authorities have claimed that no Russian citizens were detained during the dispersal of thousands of participants of the opposition action.
Astafiyev’s colleagues think that he was detained in the square a day ago. He was beaten and delivered to Minsk Detention Centre together with other journalists. He sent an SMS informing that he was in one of Minsk courts. However, the journalist’s phone is switched off almost all the time so it is not really possible to find out what he is accused of, informs radio “Echo of Petersburg”.
Saint Petersburg authorities have asked the local Belarusian Embassy Representative Office to help them find the journalist. Meanwhile, the Belarusian authorities have claimed that no Russian citizens were detained during the dispersal of thousands of participants of the opposition action.
