Three MPs of Belarus parliament announce hunger strike

2004-06-04

The hunger strikers hope "to make other deputies take an active citizenship role, realise responsibility for their country and not allow a coup d'etat by holding a possible referendum on the issue of the third presidential term of the incumbent president."

Valery Frolov told Itar-Tass that he was not allowed to take floor at a plenary parliamentary session on Thursday morning and inform deputies about his position. He and his two colleagues began a hunger strike even without water in their offices. According to Frolov, the deputies will continue a hunger strike "till they have enough energy for it." The deputies intend to hold an action of protest in Frolov's apartment if they have difficulties with the parliament security service.