Families of Palestine Action hunger strikers seek urgent meeting amid health concerns
Families and supporters of Palestine Action hunger strikers have requested an urgent meeting with justice secretary David Lammy amid concerns over the deteriorating health of several prisoners.
Eight activists affiliated with Palestine Action are on hunger strike while awaiting trial. The group was banned under terrorism legislation.
Among the hunger strikers, Qesser Zuhrah (20) and Amu Gib (30) have been on strike for 51 days at HMP Bronzefield. Kamran Ahmed (28), also at Bronzefield, is currently on day 43 of his strike and has been hospitalised three times due to his urgent condition, according to his sister Shahmina Alam. Zuhrah is believed to remain in hospital after ambulance transport to HMP Bronzefield, although next of kin Ella Moulsdale has reported a lack of confirmation regarding her condition.
Other hunger strikers include Heba Muraisi (31) at HMP New Hall on day 50 since joining on 3 November, Teuta Hoxha (29) on day 44, and Lewie Chiaramello (22), who has diabetes and eats every other day, currently on day 16.
Two other activists, Jon Cink and Umer Khalid, ended their hunger strikes after 41 and 13 days respectively due to health reasons. Both were hospitalised before returning to prison. Cink and Khalid face charges linked to a June 2024 break-in at RAF Brize Norton, involving alleged damage to two jets, with trials not expected before 2027. Zuhrah, Muraisi, Hoxha, and Ahmed are accused of involvement in a 2024 break-in at Elbit Systems and deny the charges; their trial is not scheduled before May 2025.
The hunger strikers demand immediate bail, an end to the ban on Palestine Action, removal of communication restrictions, and the closure of Elbit Systems.
Legal representatives from Imran Khan & Partners have sent a letter asserting a legitimate expectation of a review meeting to address the refusal of food and seek a response by 2pm Tuesday.
Officials state that hunger strikes are not unprecedented and that procedures are in place to safeguard prisoner health. NHS-provided prison healthcare continues, and claims that hospital care is being refused have been described as misleading. The Ministry of Justice and HMP Bronzefield confirm regular medical observation and treatment ongoing; however, reports include a delayed hospital transfer and an event where electrolyte supply was insufficient due to Bronzefield running out.
The prisons minister has indicated there will be no meetings with prisoners or their representatives, while the Commons leader has emphasized that the government is not attempting to "break the bodies" of protesters. The Prison Service cannot force-feed hunger strikers.
All hunger strikers remain detained awaiting trial, with each expected to have served over a year before their court appearances.
