Lawyers representing eight remand prisoners on hunger strike over charges related to Palestine Action are urging ministers for an urgent meeting, warning of a “real and increasingly likely potential” their clients could die in prison. Two of the defendants have refused food for 37 days, and five have required hospital treatment, according to a letter sent to Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy.
Hunger Strike Protest
The lawyers’ letter details the deteriorating health of Qesser Zuhrah, Amy Gardiner-Gibson, Jon Cink, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmed, all of whom have been refusing food since early November. Ms. Zuhrah and Ms. Gardiner-Gibson have reportedly been on hunger strike for 38 days as of Wednesday, with the others refusing food for at least 30 days.
Two additional detainees awaiting trial in Palestine Action-related cases have also begun refusing food in recent weeks. The group is protesting the ban on Palestine Action under terrorism legislation, and calling for the closure of a defense firm with links to Israel.
Four of the protesters are accused of involvement in a break-in at an Israeli-linked defense firm in 2024 and are scheduled to stand trial in May. The remaining four are accused of causing millions of pounds worth of damage to military jets at RAF Brize Norton in June.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated that the Deputy Prime Minister has responded to correspondence on the issue and is being kept informed of the situation. They added that the well-being of prisoners is continually assessed, and appropriate action, including hospital treatment when deemed necessary by medical professionals, is taken.
MPs John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn raised concerns in the Commons, noting the lack of response from ministers to requests for information about the protests. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle deemed the lack of response “unacceptable.”
Supporters of the detainees have filed formal complaints regarding their treatment in prison, though the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman does not comment on individual cases.
Three High Court judges are expected to rule on the lawfulness of the ban on Palestine Action in the coming weeks, following a challenge brought by the group’s co-founder.
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