Palestine Action Hunger Strikers Pause Protests Amid Health Concerns

Two prisoners affiliated with Palestine Action, Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib, have paused their hunger strikes due to health issues but plan to resume their protests in the New Year. Both detainees are held at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, facing charges related to alleged break-ins and criminal damage linked to Palestine Action, which was banned under terrorism legislation in July. Zuhrah ended her hunger strike after 48 days, while Gib paused after 49 days. Four other prisoners—Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha, and Lewie Chiaramello—continue their hunger strikes.

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The decision to pause the hunger strikes follows allegations that Zuhrah was denied an ambulance for over 18 hours, prompting protests outside the prison. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice has disputed claims of mistreatment, asserting that prison healthcare teams provide continuous monitoring and necessary medical care. Lord Timpson, the minister for prisons, stated that hunger strikes are not uncommon in prisons and that procedures are in place to ensure prisoner safety.

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The remaining hunger strikers have articulated a set of demands, including the transfer of Heba Muraisi back to HMP Bronzefield, the end of non-association orders that isolate prisoners, and equal access to activities as sentenced prisoners. They are also calling for the immediate release of all charges against them and the cessation of support for what they describe as genocide.

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Critics, including MPs and lawyers representing the hunger strikers, have expressed concern over the government's handling of the situation. They argue that the refusal of Justice Secretary David Lammy to meet with the strikers' representatives contradicts the Ministry of Justice's own policies on hunger strikes. Jeremy Corbyn, a former Labour leader and MP for Gib, has raised alarms about the inconsistent medical treatment provided to the hunger strikers, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention.

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• “Zuhrah, 20, said on Tuesday: “To our government, do not release your breath, because we will certainly return to battle you with our empty stomachs in the New Year, when you have shamefully returned from your blood-soaked break, to the theatrics of your ‘democracy’.” — Qesser Zuhrah, Hunger Striker

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• “ Gib, 30, said: “We have never trusted the government with our lives, and we will not start now.” — Amu Gib, Hunger Striker

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• “We are dismayed to learn that, as they near their eighth week on hunger strike, their treatment remains inconsistent and unreliable,” — Jeremy Corbyn, MP

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There are discrepancies regarding the treatment of the hunger strikers. While the Ministry of Justice claims that all necessary medical care is provided, representatives of the hunger strikers allege delays and inadequate treatment. Additionally, the government maintains that remand decisions are made by independent judges, while critics argue that the legal process has been politicized.

The Guardian

As the hunger strikers prepare to resume their protests in the New Year, the situation remains tense. The government faces increasing pressure to address the strikers' demands and improve their treatment in custody. The ongoing health of the remaining hunger strikers will be closely monitored as they continue their protest against their detention and the charges they face.

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