Rising Concerns Over Potential Deaths of Palestine Action Hunger Strikers

The ongoing hunger strike by Palestine Action activists in UK prisons highlights not only the plight of these individuals but also raises critical questions about the treatment of detainees associated with political movements. As the conditions of these hunger strikers deteriorate, advocates and families fear for their safety, prompting urgent calls for government accountability. This situation reflects broader issues surrounding freedom of expression and political dissent, positioning the actions of the British government under scrutiny during a time of heightened activism.

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London, United Kingdom – Lawyers and family members of hunger strikers linked to the protest group Palestine Action have expressed alarm over the deteriorating conditions of these activists, warning that they could face life-threatening health crises in prison due to alleged negligence by British authorities. The group claims that their demands for better treatment and communication have been disregarded, particularly by the justice secretary, who has yet to address their concerns.

Currently, eight individuals affiliated with Palestine Action are on hunger strike across five different prisons. These activists are among 29 remand prisoners charged with participating in break-ins at the UK subsidiary of Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense firm, and a Royal Air Force (RAF) base. The gravity of the situation deepens with reports indicating that five of these hunger strikers have already been hospitalized due to their rapidly declining health.

Family members, like Shahmina Alam, whose brother Kamran Ahmed has been on hunger strike for 36 days, have voiced their fears. Kamran, who recently returned to Pentonville prison after hospitalization, has lost significant weight and is exhibiting alarming symptoms, including high ketone levels and severe mouth ulcerations. His family is deeply concerned about the lack of updates regarding his condition when he is transferred to a hospital, as prison authorities reportedly restrict communication during hospital stays.

With Ahmed facing charges related to an alleged breaking and entering incident that occurred before Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization, the implications of his prolonged detainment are increasingly troubling. His trial is set for June 2026, and by that time, he will have spent over 20 months in custody before facing any legal judgment. Activists assert that these lengthy detentions raise serious human rights concerns, as many of the individuals involved are young British citizens being held without prior conviction.

Palestine Action accuses the UK government of complicity in alleged war crimes in Gaza and maintains that their struggle is centered on combatting what they term an “apartheid regime.” The group’s hunger strikers are demanding immediate bail, fair trial rights, and the lifting of Palestine Action’s banned status while calling for the closure of all Elbit Systems locations.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, a law firm representing the remand prisoners recently reached out to Justice Secretary David Lammy, warning that the ongoing hunger strikes could result in fatalities if their concerns are not addressed. The firm stated, “There is the real and increasingly likely potential that young British citizens will die in prison.” They emphasize the critical nature of the situation concerning Ahmed’s health, as he reportedly experiences dizziness, tightness in his chest, and shallow breathing.

Alam has criticized the Prison Service for its lack of communication regarding her brother’s health and is apprehensive about potential oversight in his care. As of now, the Ministry of Justice has not provided any comment on the ongoing situation.

The scale of this hunger strike marks it as the largest coordinated strike in UK prisons since 1981, drawing comparisons to actions taken by Irish Republican inmates. As the situation develops, it poses significant questions regarding the treatment of political activists within the justice system and the government’s role in ensuring their rights and welfare are protected.

Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib, the first hunger strikers, have similarly faced severe health setbacks, with reports of hospitalization due to critical weight loss. Their families and advocacy groups are expressing urgency, stating that the current conditions represent a crisis for these activists. Amnesty International UK has called for immediate action, urging prosecutors to drop allegations of terrorism that have led to prolonged detentions.

Despite mounting pressure and calls for engagement, Lammy has yet to respond to requests for a meeting from the concerned lawyers. Notably, parliamentary discussions have also underscored the critical nature of the situation, with Speaker Lindsay Hoyle asserting that governmental inaction regarding correspondence is unacceptable.

As the plight of these hunger strikers garners more attention, their case highlights the complexities surrounding justice, political activism, and the rights of detainees in the UK, as families and advocates continue to implore the government to take swift action to avert further tragedies.

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