A hunger striker outside the Georgian parliament spent the night in a hospital.

David Machavariani, who is participating in a hunger strike outside the Georgian Parliament, was taken to the hospital due to deteriorating health, but rejoined the protesters today. Eight people are continuing their hunger strike on the 16th day.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," the Georgian Ministry of Health has been refusing for three weeks to allocate an ambulance to monitor the health of hunger strikers outside the Georgian Parliament. The hunger strikers have stated that they will continue their action as long as their health allows.

The hunger strikers' demands remain unchanged on their 16th day – they are seeking the release of all those arrested for participating in the protests and the holding of new, fair parliamentary elections. Eight people are continuing their hunger strike, demanding the release of political prisoners and new elections, and have been sleeping outdoors for more than two nights, TV Pirveli reported today.

One person was taken away by ambulance and required medical examination, while the others continue their hunger strike. Their demands remain unchanged: new, fair parliamentary elections and the release of all political prisoners, said Gedevan Popkhadze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change. "We believe this is the most important issue today, so we cannot stop our protest. In a country with political prisoners and an illegitimate government, we cannot remain an indifferent observer of this process," said politician Gedevan Popkhadze, who is on a hunger strike.

"Yesterday, David Machavariani, who was on a hunger strike in front of the parliament building, became ill, and an ambulance took him to the clinic. This morning, Machavariani was discharged from the clinic; his condition is stable, and he continues his hunger strike in front of the parliament building. Dato Chelidze was released from prison and is with us," the politician said.

Earlier, the "Caucasian Knot" reported that hunger strikers outside the Georgian parliament required medical attention on the tenth day of their protest. On November 10, the 14th day of their hunger strike, activists demanded that ambulances be constantly on duty at the protest site to monitor the protesters' well-being.

In mid-October, the Georgian Parliament adopted amendments to the law that toughened penalties for violations at protests. The Georgian Dream party's authors explained that the law was aimed at those who regularly block Rustaveli Avenue. Now, appearing at a rally wearing a mask or blocking the road is punishable by administrative arrest for up to 15 days. Refusal to end a rally at the request of the police carries a prison sentence of up to 60 days. The Criminal Code now provides for up to one year in prison for repeat violations of protest rules and up to two years for subsequent violations.

Following the adoption of the amendments to the laws, security forces began mass arrests of protesters on Rustaveli Avenue. Most of them are accused of blocking the avenue and obstructing traffic.

Key points on the persecution of protesters in Georgia

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. They have been holding daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. More than a thousand people were subjected to administrative prosecution.