Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Over Hunger Striker's Medical Care at HMP Bronzefield
12/18/2025, 1:17:46 AM
Urgent Medical Care Demanded for Qesser Zuhrah
Protests have intensified outside HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, where Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana led a demonstration demanding urgent medical attention for Qesser Zuhrah, a hunger striker who has refused food for 46 days. Sultana described Zuhrah as "critically ill" and at "immediate risk of dying," prompting her to call for an ambulance to be allowed into the prison. Following the protest, it was confirmed that Zuhrah was transferred to a hospital for medical care.
Zuhrah is currently on remand awaiting trial on charges related to her involvement with Palestine Action, a group that was banned under the Terrorism Act in July 2023. The ban, announced by then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, made membership or support for Palestine Action a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The group has been criticized for its history of vandalism, including an incident involving two planes at RAF Brize Norton.
Background on Palestine Action's Legal Challenges
The legal status of Palestine Action remains contentious, with co-founder Huda Ammori granted permission to appeal the ban, arguing it infringes on free speech rights. However, a judge denied a request to temporarily lift the ban, and a ruling on its lawfulness is expected from High Court judges in the coming weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the protests, a spokesperson for HMP Bronzefield stated that all prisoners have full access to healthcare, including the ability to attend external medical facilities when necessary. The prison emphasized that all healthcare provisions are managed according to individual risk assessments and security protocols.
Sultana expressed frustration over the lack of response from government officials, stating on X, "I have contacted [Justice Secretary] David Lammy and [Health Secretary] Wes Streeting and received no response." Following the protests, she confirmed that Zuhrah had been taken to the hospital.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the government's actions argue that the treatment of hunger strikers like Zuhrah raises serious ethical concerns. A letter from lawyers representing Palestine Action warned that there is a "real and increasingly likely potential" that their clients could die in prison as part of their protest. This sentiment was echoed by protestors who gathered at multiple prisons, highlighting the broader implications of the government's stance on political dissent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed its attendance at HMP Bronzefield, it did not provide further details regarding the situation. Additionally, the prison's assertion that all prisoners have access to healthcare contrasts with the urgent claims made by Sultana and the protestors regarding Zuhrah's condition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Palestine hunger striker Qesser Zuhrah, now on day 46, is being refused an ambulance by the prison.” — Zarah Sultana, MP
- “The Narendra Modi government is planning to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from one of the country’s most effective and pro-poor welfare schemes.” — Umang Singhar, Leader of the Opposition
The situation surrounding Qesser Zuhrah's hunger strike and the protests at HMP Bronzefield underscores the ongoing tensions between government policies and civil rights, particularly in the context of political activism and dissent.
