"Lawyers for eight remand prisoners who are on hunger strike while waiting to go on trial for alleged offences relating to Palestine Action are calling for an urgent meeting with ministers. In a letter seen by the BBC, the lawyers tell Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy that there is a "real and increasingly likely potential" their clients will die in prison as part of their protest."
"The protests taking place in five different prisons involve eight people who have all been charged with offences relating to alleged break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action, charges that are denied, before the group was banned under terrorism legislation. Four of the group are accused of playing roles in the break-in to an Israeli-linked defence firm in 2024 and are due to go on trial in May next year at the earliest."
Eight remand prisoners across five prisons are on hunger strike while awaiting trial on alleged offences linked to Palestine Action. Lawyers have written to Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy warning of a real and increasingly likely potential that their clients will die in custody and requesting an urgent meeting. Two defendants have refused food for 37–38 days and five have been hospitalised during their strikes. MPs reported that ministers had not responded to requests for information. The Ministry of Justice says the prison service continually assesses prisoners' well-being and takes appropriate action. Charges include alleged break-ins and criminal damage; four face a 2024 defence-firm break-in trial due in May.
Read at www.bbc.com
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