Prison reforms have provoked widespread protests

Some government ministers have promised to try to speed up legal reform including the abolition of a law which bans prisoners convicted of terrorism from meeting other inmates. But so far nothing has been done.

Left-wing groups, which are behind the hunger strike, seem determined for it to continue.

Dozens of prisoners are under guard in hospital in a critical condition but refusing medical treatment.

Demands

Doctors associations say further deaths could happen at any time. Many doctors have been criticised by the government for refusing to treat inmates against their will.

Further deaths could happen at any time

The doctors say they don't support the hunger strike but they should not be blamed by the authorities.

The prisoners are reported to have a list of demands, including an end to the new regime of isolation in small cells.

The government does plan to implement prison reform but it says the process will take time. That is one thing that the hundreds of people on hunger strike don't have in abundance.