Dagestani activist Salim Khalitov stops his hunger strike

Warders of the special detention facility persuaded Dagestani activist Salim Khalitov to stop his dry hunger strike. Salim Khalitov is under the supervision of a doctor, and his health state is improving, reports Uma Askerkhanova, a member of the Public Oversight Committee (POC) of Dagestan.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that after the elections to the State Duma and the People’s Assembly of Dagestan, Salim Khalitov held a series of protest actions. On September 30, the activist went to a picket and claimed the illegitimacy of the parliament of new convocation. On October 13, Salim Khalitov held another picket with the demand to return to the national elections for the leader of Dagestan. On the same day, according to the activist, law enforcers attacked him, trying to provoke a fight. On October 14, Salim Khalitov was detained and accused of disobeying a legal request of a police officer. The activist got 10 days of arrest. Salim Khalitov went on a hunger strike and was in extremely poor condition on the fifth day.

“Salim did not eat or drink for five days. Nobody could persuade him to eat at least a little ... Warders of the special detention facility rendered great assistance to him to give up his hunger strike. During all that time they treated him like a human being, and Salim himself noted that fact,” Uma Askerkhanova said.