**Turkish Citizen Ends 48-Day Hunger Strike in Georgia**
Temur Katamadze, a Turkish citizen of Georgian origin, has ended his hunger strike after 48 days. He was transferred to a medical facility early this morning due to his rapidly deteriorating health.
Katamadze, 54, had been protesting against the Georgian government‘s refusal to grant him citizenship and its threat to deport him to Turkey, where his safety is at risk. He has been living in Georgia since 2012.
**Background**
Katamadze was arrested twice in January for administrative charges related to a protest in Batumi. During his detention, he reported police mistreatment and verbal abuse. His lawyer claims the allegations against him were fabricated.
After his second arrest, Katamadze began a hunger strike on January 17. He appealed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) for refugee status on humanitarian grounds but was denied in just three days. The decision came without explanation.
**Struggle for Refugee Status**
Katamadze is seeking refugee status because he has an arrest warrant in Turkey and fears persecution if expelled from Georgia. His application was denied by the MIA, but a court case is ongoing to grant him refugee status. If successful, his deportation will be halted.
**Fighting for Georgian Citizenship**
Katamadze has been fighting for Georgian citizenship since 2012. He has tried three times (2012, 2015, and 2019) but was denied each time. He believes the denials have a political basis and are part of discriminatory policies by the Georgian government.
**Next Steps**
The Tbilisi City Court will consider granting Katamadze refugee status on March 18. Despite ending his hunger strike, Katamadze’s struggle does not seem to be over yet.