Palestine Action hunger striker can barely 'speak

One of the prisoners on hunger strike in support of Palestine Action has lost the ability to speak and another is unable to stand without passing out, campaigners have said as the protest entered its 56th day.

- SHAHEENA UDDIN

The eight activists initially went on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage, with four still maintaining their protest.

Heba Muraisi, who is being held in HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, has said she feels “weaker as each day passes” in a statement released by the Prisoners for Palestine group. She also complained of “bruising on her arm” and a “constant body ache”.

“I can no longer lie on my side as it hurts my face,” Ms Muraisi said, adding that she is losing the ability to “form sentences, and struggling to maintain conversation”.

Earlier this month two of the activists, Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib, paused their hunger strike at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey after 48 days due to deteriorating health. Both were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Those still refusing food are Teuta Hoxha, Ms Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed and Lewie Chiaramello, according to Prisoners for Palestine.

Four of the group, including Ms Muraisi, are accused of playing roles in the break-in at Israeli-linked defence technology company Elbit Systems UK on 19 November 2024. They will go on trial in May next year at the earliest.