Ruslan Gvashev diagnosed with a stroke

A cardiologist has diagnosed Ruslan Gvashev with a stroke. However, the Circassian activist continues to refuse medical care. Relatives of Ruslan Gvashev demanded from the Sochi authorities to apologize to the activist.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that starting from September 11, Ruslan Gvashev, the 67-year-old former head of the Circassian Shapsugs' Council of Elders, is holding indefinite hunger strike against the court's decision to fine him for praying near the Tulip Tree. Ruslan Gvashev cannot speak for three days already, and on October 1, he was unable to get out of bed, reported his wife Natalia Gvasheva.

"This is the fourth day when Ruslan Gvashev is in such a health state. He is unable to speak, and every day the chances of his recovery decrease," noted the medical officer.

Ruset Golubenko, a sister of Ruslan Gvashev, has said that the city authorities plan to build up the site on which the Tulip Tree sacred for the Circassians is located.

Many Circassians around the world support Ruslan Gvashev, noted his relative Aslan Gvashev.

Residents of Bolshoi Kichmai questioned by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent support Ruslan Gvashev and request the authorities of Sochi and the Krasnodar Territory to intervene in the hunger strike.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.