Controversy continues in the United Kingdom over growing campaigns in support of Palestine Action activists on hunger strike in prison, as public protests and legal actions expand amid what supporters describe as the government’s “deliberate and inhumane” silence.
Protests and Public Outcry
Piccadilly Circus in London witnessed prominent demonstrations on Monday evening, led by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Protesters temporarily closed the square in solidarity with eight activists who have been on hunger strike for weeks, demanding their release or the opening of official dialogue channels and holding the government accountable for putting their lives at risk.
On social media, criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer intensified, with activists arguing that his refusal to intervene — even on humanitarian grounds — contradicts his background as a former human rights lawyer and the values he has long professed to uphold.
Origins and Goals of the Hunger Strike
According to reports, the activists began their open-ended hunger strike on November 2, protesting their continued detention without bail and the UK government’s support for Israel in its conflict in Gaza. Supporters say the strike also aims to pressure authorities to stop what they describe as acts of mass violence against Palestinians.
Legal representatives of the strikers have announced plans to take action against Justice Secretary David Lammy, accusing him of violating clear government policies on handling hunger-striking prisoners after weeks of unacknowledged requests. Lawyers gave the government a deadline until Tuesday noon, warning of potential escalation to the Supreme Court.
More Developments
In a related development, BBC reports that activist Qaisar Zahra ended her strike after 48 days following hospitalization amid protests outside Bronzefield Prison. Three of the eight activists have now paused their strike, while the remainder continue to refuse food.
The Ministry of Justice stated that it wants “prisoners to accept support for recovery” but emphasized it will not take measures that could “encourage others to put their lives at risk” through hunger strikes.
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