Batyr Pukhaev stops hunger strike in Tskhinvali IVS for health reasons, his relative asserts

Batyr Pukhaev, a South Ossetian businessman, who is kept together with his brother Igor at the Tskhinvali IVS (temporary detention facility) on charges of treason and an attempt of coup d'etat, has stopped his two-week hunger strike for health reasons.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Batyr Pukhaev and his brother Igor Pukhaev, a former South Ossetian MP, are suspected of collaboration with the interim administration of South Ossetia established in Tbilisi. On July 14, the Pukhaev brothers were arrested for two months. On July 16, Batyr Pukhaev went on hunger strike in protest and refused hospitalization. On August 11, the brothers injured themselves with a razor, and necessary medical aid was provided to them.

On August 12, Batyr Pukhaev stopped his hunger strike because of the incident with self-cutting, said Indira Djioeva, a relative of the Pukhaev brothers. According to the woman, Batyr Pukhaev had to take large doses of antibiotics, and the hunger strike is completely contraindicated for him.

According to Indira Djioeva, the Pukhaev brothers are not allowed to be visited by their family members, and their relatives can only send food for the detainees. Besides, the Pukhaev brothers are not allowed to be visited by advocates hired by their relatives. The brothers also ask for a meeting with journalists; however, their request is being dismissed. According to Indira Djioeva, all refusals are being initiated by the Investigating Committee of the South Ossetian KGB.

Violations of their rights adversely affect the health of the brothers, their relative believes.