Russian Army officer is on hunger strike in Sochi

In Sochi, Evgeniy Tsapko, an officer of the Russian Army, announced a hunger strike in protest against the criminal case, opened against him and his colleagues under the articles of "Desertion" and "Self-willed escape from service". The case against Mr Tsapko was initiated after he demanded to enforce a court judgement on providing housing to him.

Evgeniy Tsapko started his protest hunger strike on June 22. The officer, weakened by famine for the past week says that he has no way out. "I'll keep hunger-striking for justice as long as I can. I'm nor guilty, and I'm ready to prove it by my life. The lawlessness that reigns in the Army should be stopped at last. I'm sure that militaries of the whole Russia are in the same situation as I am. But it shouldn't be the case; and the government should understand it," says the protester.

According to Mr Tsapko, he has serious health problems - an acute ulcer and dizziness. "But nobody is ever concerned. Nobody comes to me and reacts to my housing demands; however, court sessions and interrogations continue. I seriously think: for whom and whose sake did I serve? Nobody needs me and my family," the officer complained.