Supporters of three Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners on hunger strike have reported alarming health deterioration, with one having been hospitalised five times. Heba Muraisi, 31, is on day 65 of refusing food, experiencing muscle spasms and breathing problems, while Kamran Ahmed, 28, on day 58, has reported intermittent hearing loss. Lewie Chiaramello, 22, who has type 1 diabetes, has been fasting every other day for 44 days.
Dr James Smith, an emergency physician at University College London, said the three are “well into the critical phase”, warning that health can decline “very quickly and irreversibly”. He dismissed suggestions that the hunger strikers should not still be alive, stating: “Their bodies are breaking down as we speak.” He noted that heart problems, infections, and neurological issues are major risks.
Ahmed, held at Pentonville prison, said via an intermediary: “I’m worried but being scared does not mean for one second I am not willing… I intend to continue my hunger strike; perhaps they wait for me to leave in a body bag.” Muraisi, Ahmed and Chiaramello have each spent more than 18 months in pre-trial detention, well above the standard six-month limit. Their demands include immediate bail, ending the ban on Palestine Action, closing UK sites of Israeli arms company Elbit Systems, and ending censorship of communications.
The hunger strike, which began on 2 November, is believed to be the largest coordinated action in the UK since IRA prisoners in 1981. Five others have paused their strike, the latest being Teuta Hoxha after 60 days. Ahmed said: “I don’t think any of the hunger strikers wish to die, but it’s funny, if I potentially pass away, does it only matter because I have a passport?”
Prisons minister James Timpson said prison healthcare teams are providing NHS care and monitoring the situation, but ministers will not meet the prisoners. The Ministry of Justice argued that agreeing to their request for a meeting would create “perverse incentives” for others to put themselves at risk.
