Bestselling author Sally Rooney has issued a powerful plea to the UK government, calling for immediate action to address what she describes as the "shocking mistreatment" of six prisoners affiliated with the pro-Palestinian group, Palestine Action, who are currently on a hunger strike.
A Plea for Basic Human Rights
Rooney, renowned for her novels Normal People and Conversations with Friends, expressed profound concern for the welfare of the six individuals, none of whom have been convicted of a crime. All six are refusing food, with two having sustained their protest for over two weeks, leading to reports of significant weight loss and physical struggle.
The author stated: "The shocking mistreatment of these prisoners – including censorship and withholding of letters, prolonged use of solitary confinement, and years-long imprisonment without trial – constitutes a serious violation of human rights." She emphasised the core principle of justice, arguing that no one should spend years in prison awaiting trial without a conviction.
Rooney's demands align with those of the prisoners, which include improved jail conditions, release on bail, and the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action. She underscored that access to books and letters are not extravagant requests but fundamental human rights.
The Hunger Strikers and Their Condition
The protest began on 2nd November, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Balfour declaration, with Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib at Bronzefield prison in Kent. They were soon joined by four others:
- Heba Muraisi at HMP New Hall on 5th November
- Jon Cink at Bronzefield on 6th November
- Teuta Hoxha at Peterborough prison on 9th November
- Kamran Ahmed at Pentonville prison on 10th November
According to the support group Prisoners for Palestine, the physical toll is mounting. Jon Cink fainted during a blood test last week, while Heba Muraisi is reported to be suffering from tiredness, light-headedness, and nausea. Teuta Hoxha is feeling "very faint" and Kamran Ahmed is experiencing brain fog.
Legal Context and Government Response
Rooney highlighted that concerns about the treatment of these detainees are not new. "As early as last November, four UN special rapporteurs wrote to the UK government raising concerns about the treatment of prisoners allegedly connected to the protest group Palestine Action," she noted.
The situation was exacerbated by the government's unprecedented decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, the first direct action protest group to be banned under the Terrorism Act. While none of the prisoners have been charged under the Terrorism Act, prosecutors have stated that their alleged offences have a "terrorism connection".
Amu Gib and Jon Cink are awaiting trial in January 2027 concerning damage to two Voyager aircraft during a protest at RAF Brize Norton in June. The other four are among 24 accused in relation to an action at an Elbit Systems site in Filton near Bristol last year; they have been held in custody since November 2023 and face trial next year.
In response to the allegations, a Prison Service spokesperson said: "We strongly reject these allegations – we treat all prisoners fairly and equally, regardless of background circumstances."
Rooney concluded with an urgent appeal: "I am profoundly concerned about the safety and wellbeing of the prisoners undertaking this hunger strike... I plead with the UK government to put an end to this appalling situation." Following the ban, Rooney has also committed to using proceeds from her works to support Palestine Action.
