The man known as Carlos the Jackal -- currently serving a life sentence in France for the murder of two secret agents -- has gone on hunger strike in protest against prison conditions.

A lawyer for the prisoner said that Carlos had written to the French justice minister complaining of harassment.

Carlos whose real name is Illich Ramirez Sanchez was once the world's most wanted man -- sought in connection with a string of high profile killings, bombings and kidnappings in the 1970's and 80's in support of the Palestinian cause.