A prisoner in Kyrgystan with his mouth stitched shut.<br/> Thousands of prisoners who went on hunger strike in the impoverished Central Asian republic - many with their mouths stitched shut - have ended their protest, according to a local ombudsman.<br/> This inmate says the strike was called off because demands to improve living conditions, provide mattresses and better food and end prison lawlessness have now been met.<br/> Ombudsman Tursunbai Akun says the prisoners were right to protest the harsh conditions.<br/> He says the country's prisons are desperately under-funded and living conditions and general services must be improved - adding that his institution will now work together with authorities to improve the situation. .<br/> Here In Bishkek detention centre, where a raid by special forces earlier this month triggered the nationwide strike, convicts are searched.<br/> Prison officials say they are cracking down on smuggling and illegal dealing.<br/> This convict however says he hasn't eaten for days and repeated requests to be hospitalized have been turned down.<br/> More than 75,000 inmates are held in Kyrgyz prisons.<br/> Sunita Rappai, Reuters
