Sally Rooney says UK prisoners linked to Palestine Action face shocking mistreatment'

"The shocking mistreatment of these prisoners including censorship and withholding of letters, prolonged use of solitary confinement, and years-long imprisonment without trial constitutes a serious violation of human rights. I urge the British government to take action to engage with the prisoners and address their demands. It is a basic principle of justice that no one should have to spend years in prison awaiting trial when they have not been found guilty of any offence."

"Sally Rooney has pleaded with the UK government to address the shocking mistreatment of Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners who are on hunger strike, saying she fears for their welfare. Six prisoners awaiting trial are refusing food, including two who have been on hunger strike for more than two weeks and are already said to have lost considerable weight and be struggling physically. Their demands include improved jail conditions, release on bail and lifting the ban on Palestine Action."

"Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib, both being held at Bronzefield prison in Kent, were the first two prisoners to go on hunger strike on 2 November, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Balfour declaration. They were joined by Heba Muraisi, who is held at HMP New Hall, on 5 November, Jon Cink, also at Bronzefield, on 6 November, Teuta Hoxha at Peterborough prison on 9 November and Kamran Ahmed at Pentonville prison on 10 November."

Six Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners awaiting trial are on hunger strike, with two striking for more than two weeks and already experiencing severe weight loss and physical decline. Their demands include improved jail conditions, release on bail, and lifting the ban on Palestine Action. Prison authorities are accused of censoring correspondence, withholding letters and reading materials, using prolonged solitary confinement, and detaining individuals for years without trial. Prisoners across multiple UK facilities began strikes between 2 and 10 November. Reported symptoms include fainting, extreme fatigue, light-headedness, nausea and brain fog. The government is called on to engage with the prisoners and address these human rights concerns.

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