Six Palestine Action Activists at Risk of Death in UK Prisons

Six of the eight imprisoned members of the activist group Palestine Action who are on hunger strike in various UK prisons are in critical condition and face an imminent risk of death, doctors and healthcare professionals have warned.

Several members of the group, held in different prisons, began a hunger strike 47 days ago to press a number of demands. The activists, aged between 20 and 31, have been charged with trespassing and criminal damage. The cases stem from the British government’s decision to proscribe the group under counter-terrorism legislation.

According to available information, two of the prisoners began their hunger strike in early November, with others joining later. Of the eight detainees, two have temporarily suspended their hunger strike. One prisoner, who has diabetes, is observing the strike on alternate days. As a result, five prisoners are currently considered to be at the highest level of risk.

Speaking at a press conference in London on Thursday, Ella Mulsdale, a relative of imprisoned activist Qaisar Zuhrah, said, “They are now on the 47th day of their hunger strike. From a medical perspective, any hunger strike lasting more than 35 days reaches a life-threatening stage.”

She added that after nearly seven weeks without food, Zuhrah has lost 13 percent of his body weight and has been hospitalized twice.

James Smith, an emergency physician with the National Health Service (NHS), has been in contact with several of the hunger-striking prisoners and their families. Addressing the press conference, he said, “All of the hunger strikers are facing severe health risks, and the danger to their lives is extremely close.”

He added, “If this continues, put simply, the hunger strikers are moving toward death.”