Families of Palestine Action Hunger Strikers Seek Urgent Meeting with Justice Secretary David Lammy
Families and supporters of Palestine Action hunger strikers are urging Justice Secretary David Lammy to hold a meeting to resolve the ongoing impasse as several strikers are currently severely unwell.
A legal letter from Imran Khan and Partners states that Ministry of Justice (MoJ) policy requires convening a review meeting with those refusing food, with a deadline for a reply set at 2pm on the upcoming Tuesday.
Three hunger strikers were hospitalised on Sunday: Qesser Zuhrah (20) and Amu Gib (30), both on day 51 of their strike, and Kamran Ahmed (28), on day 43. Ahmed has been hospitalised three times; his sister described his condition as beyond urgent and expressed concern over lack of updates following his discharge. Zuhrah is believed to remain in hospital; an ambulance was reportedly sent to HMP Bronzefield, although protesters claim prison staff refused transfer to emergency care. Next of kin report a lack of confirmation regarding his status.
Supporters of Amu Gib emphasize that the hunger strikers cannot pause their protest for the Christmas holiday, stressing their lives are in grave danger. They are prepared to pursue legal action to secure justice.
The Ministry of Justice disputes the legal claims, stating they will not create incentives for further hunger strikes and asserting prisoners should accept support. Officials noted their powers to intervene are limited.
All hunger strikers are currently held in prison awaiting trial on charges related to alleged break-ins or criminal damage during protests and will have been remanded for over a year by the time their trials occur.
Other hunger strikers include Heba Muraisi (31, day 50), Teuta Hoxha (29, day 44), and Lewie Chiaramello (22), who has diabetes and is fasting every other day and is on day 16.
