Palestine Action Hunger Strike Ends with Victory for Prison Rights Advocates

Three young pro-Palestine activists, Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello, have ended their hunger strikes after months-long protests in a London prison. The activists, who were convicted of no crime, had been on strike for varying lengths of time, with Muraisi fasting for 73 days and Ahmed for 65 days.

Muraisi’s health had deteriorated significantly during her strike, with reports suggesting she was suffering from severe pain, muscle spasms, and possible neurological damage. Her body weight had also dropped to 49kg (108lb), causing concerns among loved ones and medical professionals about the potential for irreversible health damage.

Ahmed, who is also from London, had lost a significant amount of weight during his strike, with reports suggesting he had lost 25% of his body mass. He had been hospitalized several times since the protest began, including this week, where he was treated for the seventh time.

The hunger strikers were part of a collective known as “Filton 24,” which includes eight individuals who have participated in the protest since early November. The group’s demands included immediate bail, a guarantee of a fair trial, and the de-proscription of Palestine Action.

According to reports, the government had made concessions during the hunger strike, with officials stating that the group would face a fair trial and that prison welfare procedures were being followed. However, loved ones and medical professionals have expressed concerns about the potential for fatal complications if refeeding is not managed properly.

The collective’s actions are alleged to be linked to break-ins at Elbit Systems’ UK subsidiary in Bristol and a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire. The group denies the charges against them, which include burglary and criminal damage.

Source: Al Jazeera