A dire situation unfolds as UN experts voice their profound worry over the treatment of hunger strikers linked to Palestine Action. This situation has sparked significant international concern, raising critical questions about the UK's adherence to fundamental human rights principles.
Eight individuals, associated with Palestine Action, have initiated a hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged offenses. The group was later banned under terrorism legislation. Among them are Qesser Zuhrah, 20, and Amu Gib, 30, held at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, who commenced their hunger strike on November 2nd, lasting until December 23rd. They were joined on November 3rd by Heba Muraisi, 31, held at HMP New Hall. The group also includes Teuta Hoxha, 29, Kamran Ahmed, 28, and Lewie Chiaramello, 22, who, due to diabetes, is alternating days of food refusal.
Zuhrah and Gib temporarily ceased their hunger strike on Tuesday evening due to declining health, as stated by the Prisoners for Palestine group. However, they have pledged to resume their protest next year.
On Friday, a collective of UN experts, including Gina Romero, the UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, released a statement expressing their alarm at the treatment of these individuals.
“Hunger strikes are often a last resort,” the experts emphasized, “and the state's duty of care toward these individuals is heightened, not diminished.”
By Sunday, three of the prisoners – Zuhrah, Gib, and Ahmed – were simultaneously hospitalized. Ahmed has been admitted to the hospital three times since the beginning of his hunger strike. The experts further stated that authorities must ensure timely access to emergency and hospital care, refrain from actions that could be seen as pressure or retaliation, and respect medical ethics.
Last week, the Prisoners for Palestine, a prisoner-led collective, reported that the Prison Service allegedly denied an ambulance entry into Bronzefield on Tuesday afternoon for Zuhrah, who was reportedly unable to stand and in severe pain. She was eventually taken to the hospital after protesters gathered outside the jail to demand urgent medical attention.
This is where things get really serious. The experts noted, “These reports raise serious questions about compliance with international human rights law and standards, including obligations to protect life and prevent cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.” They added that preventable deaths in custody are unacceptable and that the state bears full responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of those it detains, urging for urgent action.
On Monday, families and supporters of the hunger strikers appealed to David Lammy, the justice secretary, to meet with them. Lawyers for the group sent a legal letter claiming that by refusing a meeting, the justice secretary had failed to comply with the Ministry of Justice’s own policy on handling hunger strikes.
But here's where it gets controversial... While there is concern within the government regarding the prisoners' health, there's also extreme caution about setting a precedent, even to facilitate a meeting with Lammy, given the number of prisoners on remand due to court backlogs.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe the UK is meeting its obligations under international human rights law? Do you think the government's caution is justified, or should they prioritize the wellbeing of the hunger strikers? Share your opinions in the comments below!
