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Russian Official's Hunger Strike Highlights Prison Abuse Allegations

4/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Alexander Shestun, former Moscow district official, has begun a dry hunger strike in a Russian prison, refusing food since March 30 and water since April 7.
He alleges abuse by prison staff and seeks his children's visits and medical care.
Memorial (the human rights group) recognizes him as a political prisoner, and his sentence was extended from 15 to 17 years after a public dispute with a regional leader.

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Story summary

Alexander Shestun, former Moscow district official, has begun a dry hunger strike in a Russian prison, refusing food since March 30 and water since April 7.
He alleges abuse by prison staff and seeks his children's visits and medical care.
Memorial (the human rights group) recognizes him as a political prisoner, and his sentence was extended from 15 to 17 years after a public dispute with a regional leader.