Chiatura Miners on ‘Dry’ Hunger Strike Hospitalized

Today, on the second day of his ‘dry’ hunger strike, an ambulance was called twice for Mirza Loladze. He initially refused any medical assistance, but due to his deteriorating health, he was taken out of his tent on a stretcher and transferred to the hospital.

Tariel Mikatadze's condition also worsened significantly. According to the miners, he hasn't consumed any liquids for three days, and his blood sugar level is critically low. Mikatadze felt unwell yesterday, and today his hospitalization became necessary.

"Our government is now meeting with businesses. This is nothing but a mockery of workers. They meet with businesses but not with workers. These people aren't needed, business is important, and this business doesn't need workers. How long will this disrespect towards workers, employees, and citizens of Georgia continue?! Isn't there some limit?!" a participant in the protest stated in a video shared on the Magaroeli (Miner) Facebook page.

Today, on the 127th day of their continuous protest, the Chiatura miners publicly released a letter addressed to the head of the Georgian Dream government. They are offering Irakli Kobakhidze to "personally take interest" in the issue and meet with the protesters. No one from Georgian Dream has responded to the miners' appeal.

Seven miners are on hunger strike, demanding the release of four participants of the continuous protest – Merab Saralidze, Giorgi Neparidze, Archil Chumburidze, and Tengiz Gvelesiani – from prison. The demand for the reinstatement of those unlawfully dismissed from Georgian Manganese also remains unchanged. Three miners, Mirza Loladze, Goga Abesadze, and Shavleg Gogsadze, have sewn their mouths shut.