KGB defector begins hunger strike

Mr Makarov now lives on benefits

A former KGB defector living in Northumberland has begun a hunger strike because he claims he has been mistreated by the British government.

Viktor Makarov, 49, spent five years in a labour camp in Russia after being caught spying for Britain.

He was sentenced to 10 years in an Arctic labour camp, but released in 1992 under an amnesty by Boris Yeltsin.

Since being smuggled into Britain by MI6, he says he has been denied the financial help he was promised.

Mr Makarov has pledged to recreate his prison camp conditions opposite the gates of Downing Street until the authorities help him.

He says he will only allow himself hot tea during the protest.

'Reliable income'

Born in Moscow. he graduated from the KGB academy in the same year as Russia's current president, Vladimir Putin, and spied for Britain from inside the KGB for two years until being caught in July 1987.

Mr Makarov, who lives on benefits, had previously complained about his treatment by the British Government after arriving in the country.

He is hoping to persuade the government to provide him with a "reliable" income and a new identity, both things he says were promised when he left Russia.

He said: "I am a citizen of this country and would like my freedom and liberties to be respected. I have done nothing wrong.

The Home Office declined to comment on Mr Marakov's case.