Palestinian activist Umer Khalid hospitalized after remand

British Pro-Palestine Remand Prisoner Hospitalized Again After Hunger Strike

Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old British pro-Palestine remand prisoner, has been hospitalized again due to complications from his hunger strike. He was last seen by his mother, Shabana, on January 26 and had been rushed to intensive care the day prior with a slow heart rate and organ failure. Khalid ended his 17-day hunger strike shortly after being admitted.

Khalid’s mother reported that she has not received any updates about her son’s condition or level of care from prison authorities despite repeated calls and emails. She expressed concern for her son’s well-being, stating that he is likely experiencing mental distress due to the stress of his situation.

According to Khalid’s family, he had been refusing liquids during the final stages of his hunger strike, citing exhaustion and a dry mouth. When speaking with his mother on January 26, Khalid sounded tired and weak.

Khalid is one of five activists accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton airbase in Oxfordshire last June and spray-painting two Voyager refuelling planes. The incident caused significant damage, estimated to be worth millions of pounds. Khalid’s trial date has been set for January 2027, which would mark a year and a half since his initial detention.

The UK Ministry of Justice has not commented on the situation.

Source: Al Jazeera