UN experts raise grave concern' over treatment of Palestine Action-linked hunger strikers

"On Friday a group of UN experts including Gina Romero, the UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, issued a statement expressing alarm at the group's treatment. Hunger strike is often a measure of last resort by people who believe that their rights to protest and effective remedy have been exhausted. The state's duty of care toward hunger strikers is heightened, not diminished, the experts said."

"On Sunday, three of the prisoners Zuhrah, Gib and Ahmed were simultaneously in hospital. Ahmed has been admitted to hospital three times since going on hunger strike. The experts added: Authorities must ensure timely access to emergency and hospital care when clinically indicated, refrain from actions that may amount to pressure or retaliation, and respect medical ethics."

"Eight prisoners have been on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged offences relating to Palestine Action before the group was banned under terrorism legislation. Qesser Zuhrah, 20, and Amu Gib, 30, who are being held at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, were on hunger strike from 2 November to 23 December. Heba Muraisi, 31, who is at HMP New Hall, joined the pair on 3 November. The group also includes Teuta Hoxha, 29, Kamran Ahmed, 28, and Lewie Chiaramello, 22, who is refusing food every other day because he has diabetes."

Eight prisoners affiliated with Palestine Action awaiting trial on alleged offences before the group's proscription under terrorism laws undertook hunger strikes. Two detainees at HMP Bronzefield fasted from 2 November to 23 December; another at HMP New Hall joined on 3 November. One striker alternates fasting due to diabetes. Several hunger strikers required hospitalisation, with one admitted three times. UN special rapporteurs expressed alarm, stressed that hunger strike is a last-resort protest, asserted the state's heightened duty of care, and urged timely emergency access, avoidance of pressure or retaliation, and respect for medical ethics.

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