Rustavi inmates put forward condition for ending hunger strike

The hunger strike will not stop until the leadership of the Rustavi Prison is replaced, the prisoners, who continue the action because of absence of medical care and ban on relatives' visits. Relatives report that the health condition of some hunger-strikers has worsened.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 21, it became known that inmates of the Rustavi Prison were on a hunger strike. At the protest action, their relatives demanded to improve the prisoners' custody conditions.

In their statement, more than 30 inmates noted that there are inmates in the prison who need surgery, but they are not transferred to clinics. Besides, there are prisoners with mental disorders who are not being treated, the "Ekho Kavkaza"* writes.

They also complained about the treatment by the staff and the conditions in the prison. "Employees are insulting us. Toilet doors are cut in half, and a video camera captures the process of administering natural needs," the statement said.

On August 25, relatives of some prisoners held a protest action.

"My husband has been on hunger strike for 14 days. During this time, his health condition has deteriorated greatly. He needs to be transferred to hospital, but they wouldn't do it," Rusudan Chumashvili, a prisoner's wife, has stated.

Fridon Sikhuashvili, an advocate, asserts that over 70 prisoners have joined the hunger strike.