Georgia, Tbilisi, Dec. 18 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
Georgian former Defence Minister Irakli Okruashvili went on a hunger strike in prison.
Okruashvili wants his colleagues who also went on a hunger strike, to be recognised as political prisoners, the ex-minister's lawyer told media today.
The ex-minister returned home on Nov. 20 from abroad and was arrested on previous charges over the creation of illegal armed groups. He initially refused being given the status of a political prisoner.
However, after some of his colleagues went on hunger strike demanding to be recognised as political prisoners, Okruashvili joined them.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Eka Beselia said that if Okruashvili wanted to get a special status, he should have waited for the decision of Parliament, rather than return home.
Currently Okruashvili is in jail and awaiting a court decision.