Key Takeaways
- Kamran Ahmed, a 28-year-old mechanic, has been on hunger strike for 42 days in HMP Pentonville prison, protesting against his detention and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners.
- Ahmed is one of six Palestine Action activists on hunger strike, awaiting trial on charges of criminal damage, aggravated burglary, and violent disorder.
- The prisoners are demanding immediate bail, the reversal of the ban on Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organization, and the shutdown of all weapons factories in the UK linked to Elbit Systems.
- The government has refused to negotiate with the strikers’ legal team, citing the separation of powers and the independence of the justice system.
- The hunger strikers’ health is deteriorating, with some experiencing chest pains, hot flushes, and slurred speech, and there are concerns that they may die if their demands are not met.
Introduction to the Hunger Strike
Kamran Ahmed, a 28-year-old mechanic from east London, has been on hunger strike for 42 days in HMP Pentonville prison. Ahmed, who is on remand for the past 13 months, is due to appear in court next June in connection with a break-in at an Israeli-linked weapons factory in Gloucestershire in August 2024. However, as his health deteriorates, there is no guarantee that Ahmed will make it to trial. In a telephone interview, Ahmed expressed his fears and concerns about his health, stating that he has been experiencing chest pains, hot flushes, and slurred speech.
The Prisoners’ Demands
Ahmed is one of six Palestine Action activists on hunger strike, awaiting trial on charges of criminal damage, aggravated burglary, and violent disorder. The prisoners are demanding immediate bail, the reversal of the ban on Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organization, and the shutdown of all weapons factories in the UK linked to Elbit Systems. They are also demanding improved communication with their legal team to better prepare for trial. Francesca Nadin, a representative for the hunger strikers, stated that the prisoners are "very firm" in their conviction to continue until their demands are met.
The Government’s Response
The government has refused to negotiate with the strikers’ legal team, citing the separation of powers and the independence of the justice system. Lord Timpson, the prison minister, stated that the government "will not meet with them" because it would be "entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate." The government has also denied allegations that the prisoners are being mistreated and has restricted access to basic healthcare. However, medics and lawyers speaking on behalf of the activists have warned that the prisoners are at a critical stage and may die if their demands are not met.
The Prisoners’ Health
The hunger strikers’ health is deteriorating, with some experiencing chest pains, hot flushes, and slurred speech. Ahmed has dropped from 75kg to 60kg in weight and has been admitted to hospital twice. Qesser Zuhrah, another hunger striker, has a resting heart rate of 127 beats per minute, which is significantly higher than the normal range. The prisoners’ health is a major concern, and there are fears that they may die if their demands are not met.
The Emotional Toll
The hunger strike is taking an emotional toll on Ahmed’s family and friends. Ahmed’s older brother, Redwan, stated that he believes his sibling is prepared to die for his cause. Ahmed’s sister, Shahmina Alam, has pleaded for the hunger strikers to receive appropriate medical attention. Ahmed acknowledged the pain he is causing his loved ones but remains committed to his cause, stating that the hunger strikes have raised awareness of the prisoners’ cause and injected a "breath of fresh air" into the pro-Palestine movement.
The Broader Context
The hunger strike is part of a broader movement to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners. Ahmed and the other hunger strikers are protesting against the UK’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the government’s ban on Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organization. The strike has sparked controversy and debate, with some arguing that the prisoners’ demands are unreasonable and others arguing that the government’s response is heavy-handed. Regardless of the outcome, the hunger strike has brought attention to the prisoners’ cause and has sparked a wider conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners.
