Full Breakdown
Legal Action Planned by Palestine Action Hunger Strikers Over Alleged Prison Mistreatment
3/26/2026, 1:55:31 AM
Overview of Allegations and Legal Action
Four activists from the pro-Palestine group Palestine Action, who participated in a months-long hunger strike while imprisoned, are planning to take legal action against UK prisons for alleged mistreatment. The activists—Qesser Zuhrah, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, and Heba Muraisi—were released on bail in February after a High Court ruling deemed the proscription of Palestine Action as a “terror” group unlawful. They had been held for 15 months in connection with a raid on the Elbit Systems UK factory in Filton, near Bristol, in August 2024.
Experiences During Imprisonment
The activists reported severe mistreatment during their incarceration. Heba Muraisi, who refused food for 73 days, described ongoing neurological issues and physical assaults while in custody. She stated, “My hair is still falling out in chunks... I’m still recovering.” Muraisi also recounted being placed in solitary confinement and having her keffiyeh confiscated, forcing her to use a pillowcase as a headscarf during prayer.
Qesser Zuhrah, who undertook a 50-day hunger strike, claimed she was subjected to a “calculated regime of isolation” and described an incident where she was assaulted by guards after attempting to help a fellow inmate. She alleged that prison staff employed “cruel tactics” to undermine her health, including denying her electrolytes during her hunger strike.
Kamran Ahmed, who fasted for 66 days, reported enduring chest pains and breathlessness as a result of his treatment. He described being handcuffed to a guard while showering, a practice typically reserved for high-risk inmates.
Teuta Hoxha, who lost 20% of her body weight during her hunger strikes, noted that guards threatened other prisoners with severe consequences for expressing solidarity with Palestine Action. She stated, “The British state failed to disappear our resistance,” emphasizing the activists' determination despite their treatment.
Official Responses and Context
The Ministry of Justice has previously denied allegations of mistreatment and has not provided specific comments on the individual cases of the hunger strikers. The activists' claims of medical neglect and violations of their rights have sparked public interest, leading to vigils outside HMP Bronzefield during their hunger strike.
The activists are part of the “Filton 24,” a group facing charges related to the Elbit Systems raid. While most members have been released on bail, one remains in custody, and the Home Office has been granted permission to appeal the High Court’s decision regarding Palestine Action.
What's Next
The activists are moving forward with their legal action against the prisons, seeking accountability for the alleged mistreatment they endured. An appeal date has been set for April regarding the High Court's ruling on the proscription of Palestine Action, which may further impact the group's future activities and legal standing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My hair is still falling out in chunks, I can’t walk long distances without needing to take a break.” — Heba Muraisi, Activist
- “Our prisons mistreated us in the most elaborate ways, in order to teach us that our bodies don’t belong to us,” — Qesser Zuhrah, Activist
- “She claimed, “I witnessed guards threaten other prisoners with 14 years for saying ‘free Palestine’.” — Teuta Hoxha, Activist
- “Today I still suffer with chest pain and shortness of breath [as a result of the hunger strike] but it was worthwhile,” — Kamran Ahmed, Activist
