[Tina Jmaeff] and Braun have lengthy records for arson and contempt dating back to the 1960s and have fasted in prison before.

Two elderly West Kootenay women serving time for mischief are staging a hunger strike at the Burnaby Correctional Centre for Women.

Prison officials describe Tina Jmaeff, 73, and Mary Braun, 77, as very weak.

The two are members of the radical Sons of Freedom Doukhobor sect.

They've gone without food since the start of the month.

A friend in Castlegar, Marilyn Konkin, said the pair are protesting possible military action by the United States against Iraq.

Jmaeff and Braun have lengthy records for arson and contempt dating back to the 1960s and have fasted in prison before.

A corrections official said staff will not force-feed the women.