Why it matters:
The British government’s mistreatment of pro-Palestinian detainees comes as prisoners’ families warn that continued government inaction could lead to their deaths.
The big picture:
Supporters of Palestinian rights and opponents of UK arms exports to the Israeli regime have been on hunger strike in British prisons for nearly two months. Their families report a sharp deterioration in medical conditions, while authorities have shown no willingness to address either the prisoners’ health or their demands.
What we're hearing:
According to their families, doctors have warned that the detainees’ physical condition is critical, and some have already been transferred to hospitals. Despite this, families say neither the government nor Parliament has taken any action to address the prisoners’ situation or their demands.Families say the detainees were imprisoned for insisting on a halt to arms exports to the Israeli regime.
Family members say “Heba Muraisi” has been on hunger strike for 65 days and “Kamran Ahmed” for 58 days. They add that these pro-Palestinian supporters have been held in British prisons for nearly a year without trial.
Zoom in:
Despite the severe deterioration of their health, families say UK officials, including the justice minister, have refused to meet or even engage with their lawyers or relatives. Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed lawmakers’ questions in Parliament on Tuesday, and families hope the demonstration will draw public and parliamentary attention to the hunger strikers’ plight, warning that continued neglect could cost lives.
Go deeper:
Mother of UK-Arrested Pro-Palestine Activist Says Detention Is a “Badge of Honor”
M.Majdi - seyed mohammad kazemi
