Dresden father begins dry hunger strike after family’s eviction

Michael Rednik has stopped eating and drinking in a dry hunger strike in Dresden, Germany, to protest his family’s eviction.

The family was forced from its home on August 17 after years of unpaid property taxes, and the house has since gone to a new owner.

The parents and their daughters have spent 11 weeks living on the street near the former home, and they have refused an offer of shelter.

Dresden officials say the living conditions put 10-year-old Zarina at risk, including because the family lacks stable sleeping and hygiene arrangements.

The family says the city is responsible for its situation and wants its home returned.

The youth office plans to seek a guardian for Zarina, and a family court hearing is scheduled; the city has also called the parents to an assessment of their mental health.

The family says it will continue its protest, while temperatures are expected to fall below freezing.