Mary Braun, 65, and Tina Jmaieff, 61, serving eight-year sentences for arson, were on the 57th day of their fast. Pauline Berikoff, 43, serving a 60-day sentence, had been fasting for 21 days.

Friends persuade fasting women to resume meals

Wednesday, December 04, 1985

GRAND FORKS, B. C. -- Special to The Globe and Mail GRAND FORKS, B. C.

Three Sons of Freedom women ended prolonged fasts on Monday night after a visit from relatives and pleas from all Doukhobor groups.

Mary Braun, 65, and Tina Jmaieff, 61, serving eight-year sentences for arson, were on the 57th day of their fast. Pauline Berikoff, 43, serving a 60-day sentence, had been fasting for 21 days.

A fourth woman, Mary Astaforoff, 71, died on Nov. 24 after going 54 days without nourishment.

Correctional Service Canada spokesman Thomas D'Aquino said the women took soup, buttermilk and fruit juices and would begin immediately on solid foods.

He said Mrs. Braun, who had been transferred to Vancouver General Hospital from the Matsqui federal prison on Saturday, was expected to return to the prison soon. Although conscious, she had been extremely dehydrated and weak.