In Krasnodar Territory, detained journalist Rozhkov goes on hunger strike

Journalist Sergey Rozhkov, now trialled in the Krasnodar Territory under part 1, Article 318 of Russian Criminal Code ("Violence against power official"), has announced a hunger strike in protest against the "absurd indictment" and "prejudiced justice."

The managers of the Tuapse temporary insulation facility, where the journalist is kept for the time of litigation, has informed his relatives about the fact.

We remind you that Sergey Rozhkov, a journalist from the city of Tuapse, was detained on June 2, when he covered the protest action held near the administration building of the Tuapse District.

In his application addressed to the Public Prosecutor Mr Rozhkov asserts that the judge is biased and prejudiced when considering his case.

It became clear that more than month ago Sergey Rozhkov wrote an application asking to admit Larissa Azarova, a professional lawyer, to participation in the trial as a public defender. Such right is ensured to the defendant by the Russian legislation.

"However, Judge Kislinskaya refused to admit me to the process. She even didn't let me know that Sergey has wanted to see me as his public defender," Larissa Azarova told the "Novaya Gazeta".

The journalist is under a threat of up to 5 years of imprisonment. As of today, he needs financial aid to pay for his advocate's services and information support of the media, the CPRF (Communist Party of Russian Federation) website reports.