Hunger Strike of UK Prisoners Linked to Palestine Action Continues

Four prisoners in the UK, associated with the banned group Palestine Action, are steadfastly continuing their hunger strike, even in the face of serious medical warnings. This protest follows the recent pause from two other strikers who had to stop due to health complications. The group, Prisoners For Palestine, has confirmed that Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha, and Lewie Chiaramello remain committed to their protest despite pressing medical concerns, including Ahmed’s hospitalization for the third time since he began his food refusal.

Demands and Concerns

The remaining hunger strikers are holding firm on several demands, including urgent bail, the right to a fair trial, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action by the UK government, which labeled it a “terror” group back in July. The group argues that the UK authorities are complicit in ongoing Israeli war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, they seek an end to the censorship of their communications and insist on the closure of sites operated by Elbit, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.

Expanded Demands

In a recent update, the strikers have added more requests to their list. These include the cessation of non-association orders affecting them, gaining access to the same programs and activities available to sentenced prisoners, and transferring Muraisi back to Bronzefield prison in Surrey, which is closer to her support network in London.

Chiaramello, who is practicing an intermittent hunger strike due to his diabetes, reports experiencing confusion, dizziness, and overall weakness, as stated by Prisoners For Palestine.

Background and Legal Issues

The prisoners face accusations related to break-ins at an Elbit factory near Bristol and a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire last year, where military planes were vandalized. They have denied charges, including burglary and violent disorder.

Impact of the Hunger Strike

The decision to persist with their hunger strike comes on the heels of two co-prisoners pausing theirs due to severe health concerns. Qesser Zuhrah, a 20-year-old, stopped her strike after 48 days of refusal, citing “continuous excruciating pain in her abdomen.” Her situation escalated when prison staff denied her an ambulance for over 18 hours, an issue that led to protests spearheaded by MP Zarah Sultana outside the prison before she was finally taken to a hospital.

Zuhrah’s lawyers noted that she had lost 13% of her body weight and indicated an intention to return to the hunger strike, warning the government, “We will certainly return to battle you with our empty stomachs in the new year.”

Another hunger striker, Amu Gib, has also resumed eating after facing debilitating weakness and brain fog that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

Political Reactions

MP Sultana, representing the newly formed Your Party, expressed her admiration for both Zuhrah and Gib, stating their actions revealed the “cruelty of a Labour government that wants them to die.” She emphasized the urgent need for immediate bail for the group and remarked on the critical situation of the remaining strikers, who are resolutely refusing food until their demands are met and the UK’s complicity in these matters ends. “Palestine must be free,” she declared.

Legal Actions Ahead

On Monday, lawyers representing the hunger strikers disclosed that they had sent a pre-claim letter to the government, indicating plans to pursue a case in the High Court concerning their demands to engage with Justice Secretary David Lammy about their welfare and prison conditions.

Conclusion

The hunger strike led by these UK prisoners illustrates a desperate plea for change amidst serious health risks and political implications. Their determination highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Palestine Action and the UK government’s stance on these issues.

Key Takeaways

• The hunger strike continues despite medical warnings and health complications.
• The remaining strikers have expanded their demands, including fair trial rights and de-proscription of Palestine Action.
• Recent reactions from MPs indicate growing political awareness and concern regarding the treatment of these prisoners.
• Legal actions are being initiated to address welfare and prison conditions for the hunger strikers.