The move comes after an emergency telex last week to the National Parole Board from members of the Doukhobor community of Krestova, calling for the release of Mary Braun, 66, and Tina Zmaeff, 62, on compassionate grounds because of their lengthy fast.

Corrections spokesman Dianne Brown said Sunday there is little change in the women's condition. Both are still trying to drink water with a little lemon, although Zmaeff has had some difficulty keeping even liquids down. They are bed-ridden and not speaking much, she said.

Black & White Photo; Mary Braun Tina Zmaeff

Corrections Canada officials are preparing information today on whether two Freedomite Doukhobor women now in their 62nd day of a hunger strike should be granted parole.

The move comes after an emergency telex last week to the National Parole Board from members of the Doukhobor community of Krestova, calling for the release of Mary Braun, 66, and Tina Zmaeff, 62, on compassionate grounds because of their lengthy fast.

Corrections spokesman Dianne Brown said Sunday there is little change in the women's condition. Both are still trying to drink water with a little lemon, although Zmaeff has had some difficulty keeping even liquids down. They are bed-ridden and not speaking much, she said.

Brown said she'll be receiving a more detailed medical report on the pair today, although doctors can say very little for certain about their condition because they refuse to be examined.

Both women believe they must fast until they are freed. They are serving eight-year sentences for arson, an act they consider not to be criminal but a part of their Doukhobor faith.

Brown said corrections officials are preparing their report as quickly as possible, but that "these things take time" and once it's completed, it will go back to the parole board for a hearing.

Both women have gone on lengthy hunger strikes during their numerous prison terms for arson, but this fast is their longest and friends and relatives fear it is their last.

In the past, last-minute delegations of fellow Doukhobors have made trips from the Kootenay region to plead with the women to end their fast.

This time, nothing is planned, friend Marilyn Smoch said from Nelson on Sunday.

"It's just been so quiet around here. Nothing's happening and I think people feel that nothing will be done," she said.