Deported by Russia, blocked by Georgia: Five Ukrainians begin hunger strike
Five Ukrainians stranded at Russia–Georgia border declare hunger strike (photo: Getty Images)
Five Ukrainians being held in the basement of Georgia's Darial border checkpoint on the border with Russia have declared an indefinite hunger strike, Echo of the Caucasus reports.
As one of the protesters, Serhii Larko, who has been at the border for about a month, said, the participants plan to submit an official statement to the Georgian border guards announcing the start of the hunger strike.
"I, Larko Serhii Oleksiiovych, declare an indefinite hunger strike in protest against the illegal actions of the Georgian border guards and the violation of my rights," his statement reads.
The Ukrainian citizen claims that on June 21 he was deported from Russia, and upon arrival in Georgia, his passport was confiscated and his biometric data collected without legal grounds.
"I was placed in inhumane conditions in the basement of the Darial checkpoint along with 97 people, some of whom are living with HIV and tuberculosis. I was denied the right to leave Georgia, to apply for asylum, to receive legal assistance, and to challenge my detention," Larko stated.
The protesters are putting forward several demands:
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to allow access to the Ukrainian consul;
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to explain the reasons for their detention;
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to provide the opportunity to leave Georgian territory or to apply for international protection;
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to conduct medical examinations and to end what they describe as unlawful detention.
Russia deports Ukrainians
In March, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree requiring Ukrainians who are "illegally staying in Russia" to either leave the country or legalize their status by September 10.
As a result of Russian actions, dozens of people have become stranded in the transit zone between the borders of Russia and Georgia. Many of them, after being released from Russian prisons, lack proper documents.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Russia not to deport Ukrainians to the Georgian border but to return them directly to the Ukrainian border.
Meanwhile, Georgian law enforcement has suggested that Ukraine independently retrieve its previously convicted citizens from the border checkpoints.
Georgian authorities plan to expand the living space at the Darial checkpoint, where Ukrainians deported from Russia remain after being denied entry into the country.
