UN experts say UK hunger strikers need protection. United Nations human rights experts called for the immediate safeguarding of eight pro-Palestine activists on hunger strike in the United Kingdom prisons since early November. The group includes individuals named Qesser Zuhrah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Jon Cink, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, Lewie Chiaramello, and Umer Khalid. They are charged with property damage related to actions targeting the Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems and Royal Air Force equipment.
The experts warned that the activists' health has severely declined, citing delayed medical care and insufficient oversight. They stated that a government's duty of care intensifies during hunger strikes, demanding authorities provide urgent hospital access and avoid retaliation. Four prisoners have already stopped their protest due to deteriorating physical conditions. The strikers have specific demands, like ending censorship, dropping terror charges linked to their activism, and UK divestment from Elbit Systems.
This situation highlights broader concerns about the application of terrorism laws in the UK regarding Palestine-related protests. The current government designated the group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization earlier this year. Police have made numerous arrests under these statutes, including high-profile figures like climate activist Greta Thunberg, for displaying supportive signage. The experts referenced historical precedents, noting the fatal 1981 Irish republican hunger strikes while emphasizing the current strikers' critical state.
The experts warned that the activists' health has severely declined, citing delayed medical care and insufficient oversight. They stated that a government's duty of care intensifies during hunger strikes, demanding authorities provide urgent hospital access and avoid retaliation. Four prisoners have already stopped their protest due to deteriorating physical conditions. The strikers have specific demands, like ending censorship, dropping terror charges linked to their activism, and UK divestment from Elbit Systems.
This situation highlights broader concerns about the application of terrorism laws in the UK regarding Palestine-related protests. The current government designated the group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization earlier this year. Police have made numerous arrests under these statutes, including high-profile figures like climate activist Greta Thunberg, for displaying supportive signage. The experts referenced historical precedents, noting the fatal 1981 Irish republican hunger strikes while emphasizing the current strikers' critical state.
