Hunger striker from anti-Putin grouping hospitalised as authorities deny unfair election ban

A hunger strike has been underway in Novosibirsk since 28 July after the political grouping was told there were irregularities with signatures on nominations for regional elections. One of those on strike Ruslan Ablyakimov needed medical care. 

Sergey Boiko, a leader of the hunger strike, said his colleague was suffering from 'heart problems' and was admitted to hospital where he is on a glucose and saline drip.

The coalition - a grouping which includes Novosibirsk backers of 'anti-corruption campaigner' Navanly - claims a decision of reject 1,313 signatures was contrived and political.

Officials from the election commission insist the names did not match the passport database, as required by law. The coalition claims the database is riddled with errors. 

The Investigative Committee has started a probe into claims that one collector of signatures was not paid for his work. 

A second investigation was launched into whether the 'Democratic Coalition' intentionally provided false signatures to the  commission. 

Meanwhile, the campaigners who oppose Russian president Vladimir Putin are seeking a legal challenge to the failure to register them for the election.