Hunger striker released from hospital

A hunger striker in Fredericton who collapsed and was taken to hospital Wednesday refuses to stop his protest, despite pleas from his supporters and doctor.

Frederick Mwenengabo is 39 days into a hunger strike, protesting human rights abuses in his native country of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Doctors at theDr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Frederictonperformed a series of tests while he was admitted there Wednesday.

Theyconfirmed he suffered a concussion after the collapse, but he was released from hospital.

His doctor, Healther Logan, said he has lost 23 pounds. Logan is advising him to stop the hunger strike.

"Hes incredibly resilient, but its getting to the point now where at any time, something significant, possibly fatal, can happen," she said.

His supporters also spoke out.

"He wanted to be released as he is not taking medication and did not want to occupy a hospital bed unnecessarily," they said in a released statement.

"He has refused any pain and nausea medication since beginning his hunger strike stating that he wants to feel pain in solidarity with people who are suffering in the Congo."

His supporters say Mwenengabo is in grave danger of medical complications and death.

"We would like for Frederick to end his hunger strike but fear that without some commitment by the Canadian government that he will continue," the statement from his supporters said.

But Mwengabo isnt giving up.

"I can understand they want to save my life. But equally, what is the life of one man compared to all those in overwhelming situations," he said.

New Brunswick government wont waver

Meanwhile, Mwenengabo's hunger strike isn't changing the provincial government's stance.

Paul Robichaud, the minister for the francophonie,said Thursday the province is still planning to send a representative to the summit in Congo in October.

"The federal government, the province of Quebec, and the province of New Brunswick are following the situation very closely, and so far our position is to not boycott the summit.It is to participate in the summit," Robichaud said.

Mwenengabo said the governments announcement wont stop him.

"I'm very frustrated, but I'm determined to take it forward," he said.

He has been living only on water since March 4.

Last week, Mwenengabo, who was visibly weak, told CBC News his hunger strike was drawing attention to his cause.

He said he recently received a call from Fredericton MP Keith Ashfield, who is the federal fisheries minister. He said Ashfieldpromised to bring the hunger strike to Prime Minister Stephen Harpers attention.

Mwenengabo has said the purpose of his hunger strike is to pressure the prime minister into boycotting a summit of La Francophonie in Kinshasa, Congo in October 2012.

He also wants a warlord to be put on trial before the International Criminal Court.

In addition, he is asking that Canada make an official request to the United Nations to proclaim an international day of remembrance for the millions of Congolese slaughtered in the last decade of war.