Opposition protesters in Tbilisi say health ignored by Gov’t as hunger strike enters 31st day

Members of the Coalition for Change have criticised the Georgian authorities for failing to check on their health, as a hunger strike in central Tbilisi entered its 31st day on Thursday.

Gedevan Popkhadze, a member of the coalition, said the authorities were primarily focused on disputes rather than the wellbeing of the protesters. “The government has not inquired about our health. Its representatives are mainly engaged in quarrels, which is not surprising - they respond to any protest activity in this way,” he said.

Popkhadze added that there were no conditions to end the strike. “On 28 November, we expect a large number of people here, on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, who oppose the establishment of a Russian-style dictatorship in Georgia,” he said.

The protesters, including politicians and civil activists, have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of what they call political prisoners.