A Palestinian activist on hunger strike in a British prison has now surpassed the record set by Irish Republican Bobby Sands, as a survivor of that historic protest issues a stark warning about the devastating personal cost.
IRA Survivor's Sobering Advice
Pat Sheehan, a Sinn Féin MLA who survived 55 days of the 1981 Irish Republican hunger strike, has spoken directly to the group of activists currently refusing food. Reflecting on the period where ten of his comrades, including Sands, died in the Long Kesh prison, Sheehan emphasised the profound psychological and physical toll.
In comments to Al Jazeera, Sheehan advised the Palestine hunger strikers: "The most important thing for any hunger striker is to be mentally prepared for what lies ahead. It’s a very lonely and difficult road, and you have to be totally committed to your objectives. But you also have to be aware of the impact it’s having on your family and loved ones."
Sheehan, who serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland, urged them to stay strong but mindful of their health and the pressure on their families.
Heba Muraisi's Critical Condition
This veteran perspective arrives at a critical moment for 31-year-old Heba Muraisi, who has now reached 67 days without food. Bobby Sands, who led the Irish republican protest, died on day 66 of his strike in 1981.
A close friend of Muraisi has warned that "death is a very real possibility". Having passed the three-month mark, she is reportedly suffering uncontrollable muscle spasms and breathing difficulties. Supporters fear these symptoms indicate irreversible neurological damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Muraisi was recently transferred from HMP Bronzefield in Surrey to HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire. Her next of kin described the 200-mile move as a "cruel" attempt to isolate her from her family.
In audio messages, Muraisi described near-total isolation, with dizzy spells leading to nausea. She claimed communications with doctors and her legal team are being systematically blocked.
Historical Echoes and Current Crisis
The 1981 Irish hunger strike was a definitive, gruelling chapter in the Northern Ireland conflict. Republican prisoners demanded "political status" rather than be treated as common criminals. Their five core demands included the right to wear civilian clothes.
The protest saw ten men starve to death, beginning with Sands on 5 May 1981. It finally ended on 3 October 1981 after families authorised medical intervention for unconscious strikers. Though tragic, it later secured many demands and catalysed Sinn Féin's shift into mainstream politics.
The current strike involves members of the Filton 24 and Brize Norton 4, who await a June trial for direct action protests against arms manufacturer Elbit Systems. While some participants have paused their strikes, others remain in peril.
Kamran Ahmed has been hospitalised five times and suffers sporadic hearing loss on day 60. Lewie Chiaramello, who has type 1 diabetes, continues to refuse food every other day.
In a social media video for Sinn Féin, Sheehan stated: "No one should be criminalised for legitimately protesting against a genocide." His warning from history now hangs over a new generation of protesters in British jails.
