RICHMOND, Va. – A federal official says a former Russian military tank commander awaiting sentencing on terror-related charges is on a hunger strike.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Stalnaker says Irek Hamdullin is calling it a hunger strike, but has been “sneaking” a few bites of food. He says Hamidullin has raised some medical complaints, which have been addressed, but hasn’t made any other concrete demands.
A federal jury convicted Hamidullin in August of planning and leading a Taliban attack on U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Hamidullin was found guilty on 15 counts, including providing material support to terrorism. Sentencing is set for Dec. 3.
Hamidullin sat through a hearing earlier this month with his head resting on a table. One of his attorneys told the judge that Hamidullin, who is Muslim, had been fasting.
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