Investigators say 101 jailed activists are on hunger strike in Bahrain after months of anti-government protests and crackdowns.

A statement by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry says 84 opposition supporters are on hunger strike in prison. In addition, 17 detained activists have been hospitalised by the Interior Ministry for their refusal to eat.

The statement was e-mailed to media Wednesday.

It said an international expert on hunger strikes will join the panel to visit the striking detainees and evaluate their condition.

Hundreds of activists have been imprisoned since February when Shiite-led demonstrations for greater rights began in Bahrain. They were inspired by Arab uprisings.