MOSCOW. April 2 (Interfax) - Doctors have repeatedly examined Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny, who is serving time in a penitentiary in the Vladimir region, he has also been taken to the regional hospital for a check-up but has rejected the proposed therapy, Russian Civic Chamber member Maria Butina told Interfax.
"I have spoken with the penitentiary's administration. I have been told that Navalny has repeatedly rejected the proposed therapy. He has been examined by a penitentiary paramedic, as well as by visiting physicians, and has been taken to the regional hospital for a MRI test," Butina said after visiting Penitentiary No. 2 in the Vladimir region.
"His personal physicians will not be allowed to visit the penitentiary" by law, she said.
In her words, Navalny has refused to take diclofenac because the drug allegedly increases his blood pressure.
As to what may happen to Navalny if he continues the hunger strike, Butina said he might be force-fed.
Reports posted on Navalny's Instagram on Wednesday said that he was going on a hunger strike to demand a doctor's call and the provision of medicines. He said he was suffering from backache and partially lost sensitivity in both legs.
The Federal Penitentiary Service's Directorate for the Vladimir region then said Navalny's state of health had been "deemed stable, satisfactory."
The members of the Public Monitoring Commission who have visited Navalny said he was complaining about leg pain, but could walk.
The Federal Security Service's branch in the Vladimir region said on Wednesday that Navalny was receiving relevant medical assistance.
"Convict Navalny is being provided with all necessary medical assistance in accordance with his current medical condition," it said.
Navalny is now serving a prison term in the Yves Rocher case in Penitentiary No. 2 of the Federal Penitentiary Service's branch in Vladimir region near the city of Pokrov.