Surrey, England – Two prisoners affiliated with the Palestine Action group have temporarily halted hunger strikes due to declining health, but vow to resume their protest in the new year. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of their detention conditions and unanswered demands for the release of fellow activists.
Hunger Strike Paused, Demands Unmet in Palestine Action Case
Two detainees ended their protests after 48 and 49 days, citing health concerns, but maintain their commitment to the cause.
- Qesser Zuhrah paused her hunger strike after 48 days, while Amu Gib stopped after 49.
- Both are being held on remand at HMP Bronzefield, facing charges related to actions on behalf of Palestine Action.
- Four other detainees remain on hunger strike, demanding specific changes to their conditions and the release of activists.
- The group, banned under terrorism legislation in July, denies the charges and calls for them to be dropped.
Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib temporarily resumed eating, according to a statement released by the Prisoners for Palestine group on Tuesday evening, December 19, 2023. The pair were among eight prisoners on hunger strike facing charges related to alleged break-ins or criminal damage carried out in support of Palestine Action, a group proscribed under terrorism legislation in July. All eight deny the charges and are seeking their dismissal.
What sparked this hunger strike? The detainees are protesting their ongoing detention and demanding an end to what they describe as unjust charges stemming from their activism with Palestine Action.
Zuhrah paused her protest after 48 days, while Gib ended his after 49. Both are currently held on remand at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey. The decision to pause follows allegations that Zuhrah was denied an ambulance for over 18 hours at the prison, prompting a protest last week attended by Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana.ministry of Justice officials have previously disputed claims of mistreatment.
Four other detainees – K
Lord Timpson, minister for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, said in a statement: “While very concerning, hunger strikes are not a new issue for our prisons. Over the last five years, we’ve averaged over 200 a year and we have longstanding procedures in place to ensure prisoner safety. Prison healthcare teams provide NHS care and continuously monitor the situation. HM Prison and Probation Service are clear that claims that hospital care is being refused are entirely misleading – they will always be taken when needed and a number of these prisoners have already been treated in hospital.
“These prisoners are charged with serious offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage. Remand decisions are for autonomous judges, and lawyers can make representations to the court on behalf of their clients. Ministers will not meet with them – we have a justice system that is based on the separation of powers, and the independent judiciary is the cornerstone of our system.It would be entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate for ministers to intervene in ongoing legal cases.”
