21:00, 20 March 2010

In Astrakhan, oppositionists suspend hunger strike

Tonight a meeting took place in Astrakhan of the members of the commission of the General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) of the Russian Federation with the participants of the political hunger strike. The commission leaders promised to study the protesters' claims, and the hunger strike was suspended.

Oleg Sheyin, one of the hunger-strikers and Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he personally communicated with the members of the GPO's commission for an hour and a half.

"The reaction was quick as lightning. A group of GPO employees was sent to Astrakhan. Therefore, we have some hope now that the hammer of political repressions in Astrakhan will be stopped," said Oleg Sheyin.

After the talk, Mr Sheyin returned to the building of the Astrakhan Regional Duma, where a number of oppositionists have been holding their political hunger strike since March 17, and told about the results of his negotiations. The protesters made a joint decision to suspend the hunger strike and went home.

Author: Vyacheslav Yashchenko

Source: CK correspondent