Writers stand in support of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike nationwide

Eight British activists from the Palestine Action group have begun a hunger strike in protest of their detention and treatment while awaiting trial. The protesters, Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed, have been on hunger strike for 71 and 64 days, respectively, while a third prisoner, Lewie Chiaramello, is also refusing food due to type 1 diabetes. They are being held in separate prisons over alleged involvement in break-ins at the UK subsidiary of Elbit Systems and a Royal Air Force base.

The activists deny all charges against them, which include burglary and violent disorder. Their demands include bail, a fair trial, and the reversal of the UK government’s designation of Palestine Action as a “terrorist organization.” They also seek the closure of all Elbit sites in the UK and an end to censorship inside prison.

Five of the eight activists have ended their hunger strikes due to health concerns, while all eight will have spent over a year in custody without trials. The UK government is facing growing international pressure to take action to preserve the lives of the Palestine Action prisoners.

Former hunger strikers from Ireland, Palestine, and Guantanamo Bay have issued an urgent appeal calling on British ministers to meet with families and legal representatives of the activists. Friends and relatives of the prisoners have stated that they will continue refusing food until all demands are met, despite deteriorating health.

In Belfast, hundreds gathered in solidarity with the Palestine Action activists on hunger strike on New Year’s Eve. The event featured chants and murals that reflect the city’s complex history. Poems by Palestinian writer Refaat Alareer have been displayed on a wall, while images sent by Palestinian artists have been painted by local hands.

The International Wall, once a canvas of global struggles, has become known as the Palestinian wall. New words have appeared on Belfast’s famous walls: “Blessed are those who hunger for justice.”

Source: Al Jazeera