Advocate: Batyr Pukhaev, hunger-striking in Tskhinvali IVS, rejects hospitalization

The South-Ossetian businessman Batyr Pukhaev is on the tenth day of his hunger strike held at the temporary detention facility (known as IVS) of the city of Tskhinvali. He refused from hospitalization offered by medics, his advocate Marina Kochieva told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Let us remind you that Batyr Pukhaev and his brother, a former MP of South Ossetia Igor Pukhaev, were detained on July 11. On July 14, the Tskhinvali Court ruled to arrest them for two months. The brothers are charged with treason and putsch attempt; they are suspected of collaborating with the interim administration of South Ossetia set up by Tbilisi. In protest, on July 16, Batyr Pukhaev went on hunger strike.

Batyr suffers from diabetes, but he declined hospitalization, Marina Kochieva, the lawyer who is representing the interests of Pukhaev brothers, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Given this disease, any hunger strike is contraindicated," she has added.

Marina Kochieva also said that the Pukhaev brothers appealed to the Supreme Court in connection with their freedom restriction measure; however, so far they have no reaction as to the date for the consideration of their complaint.