Masha is on day seven of her hunger strike and was transferred to the prison medical unit and examined for low blood pressure. Pussy Riot’s Maria Alekhina has been cut off from outside communication at the camp although the lawyers should still be allowed access by law and are attempting to see their client. Maria has vowed to continue the hunger strike and wrote the following letter yesterday to prison officials:
The situation in the colony is extremely difficult. All convicts who live or work close to me are separated from the rest of the colony and locked up in residential barracks and sweatshops. That leaves them unable to get any medical help if needed and exacerbates the situation. Currently I’m on hunger strike for 6th day with a demand to the colony administration to stop threatening me by using other convicts. The administration ignores the hunger strike and my demands. The district prosecutor’s office or local human rights defenders have not reacted yet to my action. Therefore, I’m going to continue my hunger strike as only way I could possible see to convince the administration of the IK-28 to start a negotiation process with me. Without a proper reason given to me, I am deprived of all telephone calls, but I will use any opportunity to send news about myself and those dear to me at IK-28.
Maria Alekhina, FKU IK-28, Perm, 27.05.13
Masha on prison phone in November 2012