Key Takeaways
- Eight prisoners are on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged offenses related to Palestine Action, a group banned under terrorism legislation.
- The prisoners are demanding immediate bail, an end to the ban on Palestine Action, and the shutdown of Elbit Systems, an Israeli-linked defense firm.
- The prisoners have been on hunger strike for several weeks, with some being taken to hospital due to health concerns.
- The government has refused to meet with the prisoners or their representatives, citing "rules and procedures" and claiming that the Prison Service is experienced in handling hunger strikes.
- The prisoners’ health is at risk, with some being slowly dying due to the prolonged hunger strike.
Introduction to the Hunger Strike
The situation involving eight prisoners on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged offenses related to Palestine Action has sparked concerns about their health and well-being. The prisoners, who include Qesser Zuhrah, 20, and Amu Gib, 30, began their hunger strike on November 2, with others joining later. They are being held at various prisons, including HMP Bronzefield in Surrey and HMP New Hall. The prisoners are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton and damaging military jets, as well as playing roles in the break-in at Elbit Systems, an Israeli-linked defense firm.
The Prisoners and Their Demands
The prisoners on hunger strike are a group of activists who are denying the charges brought against them. They are demanding immediate bail, an end to the ban on Palestine Action, and the shutdown of Elbit Systems. They are also calling for an end to restrictions on their communications. The prisoners’ lawyers have criticized David Lammy, the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, for refusing to meet with them, claiming that he has failed to comply with the Ministry of Justice’s own policy on handling hunger strikes. The prisoners’ demands are centered around their right to protest and their opposition to the Israeli government’s actions in Palestine.
Government Response
The government has responded to the hunger strike by stating that "rules and procedures" are being followed. Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, has faced questions in the Commons about why his ministers have refused to meet with representatives of the hunger strikers. The prisons minister, James Timpson, has said that the Prison Service is "very experienced" at dealing with hunger strikes and has "robust and working" systems in place. However, the government’s response has been criticized by the prisoners’ lawyers and supporters, who argue that the government is not taking the prisoners’ demands seriously and is instead trying to break their spirits.
Treatment by the Prison Service
The Prison Service has been accused of not providing adequate medical care to the hunger strikers. Representatives of some of the prisoners have alleged that there has been a lack of medical observations or treatment in some instances. For example, it was claimed that an ambulance was called for Qesser Zuhrah only after she spent a night asking to be taken to the hospital. The Ministry of Justice has responded to these claims by stating that prisoners’ well-being is continually assessed, and appropriate action is taken, including hospital treatment where required. However, the prisoners’ supporters argue that the Prison Service is not doing enough to ensure the prisoners’ health and safety.
Health Risks
The health risks associated with the hunger strike are serious. Seven prisoners have been taken to hospital since starting their hunger strikes, with five being admitted more than once. Dr. James Smith, an emergency physician and lecturer at University College London, has warned that the prisoners are slowly dying due to the prolonged hunger strike. He explained that after approximately three weeks, the body has exhausted fat stores and begins to break down muscle and organ tissue in order to generate enough energy simply to maintain essential bodily functions. This can lead to sudden, severe, and unpredictable bodily dysfunction, which can be life-threatening.
Conclusion
The situation involving the eight prisoners on hunger strike is a complex and sensitive issue. The prisoners’ demands are centered around their right to protest and their opposition to the Israeli government’s actions in Palestine. The government’s response has been criticized by the prisoners’ lawyers and supporters, who argue that the government is not taking the prisoners’ demands seriously and is instead trying to break their spirits. The health risks associated with the hunger strike are serious, and it is essential that the government takes immediate action to address the prisoners’ concerns and ensure their health and safety. The situation requires a nuanced and compassionate approach, taking into account the prisoners’ rights and the complexities of the conflict in Palestine.
