Concerns Grow as Hunger Strikers Fall Seriously Ill

In London, the condition of two remand prisoners affiliated with Palestine Action has raised alarm as both have been hospitalized due to ongoing hunger strikes. Friends and family members fear for their lives, as these young Britons refuse food in a protest against their treatment. Kamran Ahmed, 28, is currently held at Pentonville prison, while Amu Gib, 30, has been detained at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey.

Hospitalization of Hunger Strikers

Kamran Ahmed was taken to the hospital on Saturday, as shared by his sister, Shahmina Alam. The situation is equally critical for Amu Gib, who has not consumed any food for 50 days and was hospitalized on Friday, according to their friend, Nida Jafri.

The Reasons Behind Their Protest

A total of six detainees are protesting across five facilities, claiming their involvement in break-ins at Elbit Systems, a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defense firm, and a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire. The activists refute the accusations of burglary and violent disorder.

Health Risks and Deteriorating Conditions

As the hunger strike progresses, Kamran Ahmed’s health continues to decline. His family reports rapid weight loss, with recent measurements showing he has dropped from a healthy 74 kg (163 lbs) to just 60 kg (132 lbs) during his incarceration. Day 42 of his hunger strike comes with significant risks, including potential organ damage. During a recent call, his sister noted that his speech was slurred, and he is suffering from high ketone levels alongside chest pains.

“Honestly, I don’t know how he’s going to come out of this one,” expressed Shahmina Alam.

Further Illness in the Group

Alongside Ahmed, Qesser Zuhrah, a 20-year-old protester, is also hospitalized after losing 13% of her body weight. Others involved include Lewie Chiaramello, who has diabetes and only refuses food on alternate days, and several others also on hunger strike.

Concerns Over Care and Treatment

The situation was dire for Gib, who requested a wheelchair for vital checks but faced initial resistance from prison staff. Jafri, their friend, expressed concern over Gib’s isolation in the hospital without contact with loved ones. As Gib continues to deteriorate, they have lost significant weight, raising alarms about their immune system and overall health.

Demands and Government Response

The demands from the hunger strikers include immediate bail, fair trial rights, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action, which was labeled a “terror” group by the UK government in July. There’s a growing outcry for an end to what they describe as censorship and withholding of mail and resources within the prison system.

A Call for Action

Critics are urging the UK government to intervene, as thousands of citizens and numerous medical professionals have voiced their concerns. However, Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy has yet to respond adequately. Observers note that this protest is the largest coordinated hunger strike in UK prisons since the 1981 Irish Republican hunger strikes, and contrast this muted media coverage with the extensive attention the earlier protests received.

The Stakes

“What will it take for the British media to pay attention to the plight of jailed pro-Palestinian activists? The death of an activist? Or the awakening of a moral conscience?” questioned Bart Cammaerts, a political communication professor.

Conclusion

This escalating hunger strike places immense pressure not only on the health of the participants but on the systems governing their treatment. As calls for justice and humane treatment grow louder, the responsibility lies with officials to respond appropriately and urgently.

Key Takeaways

• Two Palestine Action-affiliated hunger strikers have been hospitalized due to severe health issues.
• The group is protesting against alleged unfair treatment and charges related to actions against an Israeli defense firm.
• Scholars criticize media coverage of the hunger strike compared to past protests.
• Community calls for government intervention continue to escalate amid growing health concerns for the strikers.