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Elene Khostaria Ends Hunger Strike Following Saakashvili’s Transfer

By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Monday, November 22
The leader of Droa, Elene Khoshtaria, announced that she would end her hunger strike on November 20. She said that the transfer of Georgia's third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, to the military hospital in Gori is an acceptable condition for ending her hunger strike.

Khostaria also noted that at all stages of her hunger strike, her position was completely transparent. Her main request remained the same, to ensure the life, health, and dignity of Georgia's third president.

She also added that in such a situation, specifically focusing on Thursday’s incident, when Saakashvili fainted, his transfer to the Gori Military hospital was the right decision.

“Safe transfer to Gori clinic is a solution in this situation in terms of Mikheil Saakashvili's safety and health. So, this is the reason for ending my hunger strike,” said Khoshtaria.

Khoshtaria also added that everyone needs to be very consistent and careful in this situation when there is too much public unrest and when the life of a human is at stake.

According to the therapist on duty at New Hospitals, Valerian Lobzhanidze, Elene Khoshtaria's health condition is stable at this stage and no complications are expected. He told reporters that the patient is undergoing medical intervention, and the food ratio will be gradually increased.

“There was a small electrolyte imbalance at the time of entry, which is currently fully restored. Feeding with special food is started, as well as intravenous infusions, if necessary, to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. She receives the prescribed means,” noted the doctor.

Irakli Kobakhidze, Chairman of the Georgian Dream, said that there was still no need to transfer the third president of Georgia to another clinic from the Gldani 18th Penitentiary.

He said that the health condition of other people on hunger strike, specifically Khostaria, was considered. This is how he explained the government's decision to transfer Saakashvili to the Gori military hospital.

Elene Khostaria was on hunger strike for 17 days, demanding the transfer of Mikheil Saakashvili to a multidisciplinary clinic.