Bestselling author Sally Rooney has called on the UK government to intervene in the case of six prisoners affiliated with Palestine Action who are on hunger strike, describing their treatment as a 'serious violation of human rights'. The prisoners, who are awaiting trial, have been refusing food for up to two weeks, with some reportedly losing significant weight and experiencing physical difficulties.
The six individuals include Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib at Bronzefield prison in Surrey, who began their hunger strike on 2 November, the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. They were joined by Heba Muraisi at HMP New Hall on 5 November, Jon Cink at Bronzefield on 6 November, Teuta Hoxha at Peterborough prison on 9 November, and Kamran Ahmed at Pentonville prison on 10 November. Their demands include improved jail conditions, release on bail, and the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action.
Rooney expressed profound concern for the prisoners' welfare, noting that none have been convicted of any crime. She highlighted issues such as censorship of letters, prolonged solitary confinement, and years-long imprisonment without trial. 'Books, letters and other reading material should not be withheld or censored. These are not extravagant demands, but fundamental human rights,' she said.
Gib and Cink are awaiting trial in January 2027 for allegedly damaging two Voyager aircraft during a protest at RAF Brize Norton in June. The other four are among 24 accused in connection with an action at Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol, last year. They have been held since November 2023 and are due to stand trial next year. Although not charged under the Terrorism Act, prosecutors have cited a 'terrorism connection'. Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation shortly after the Brize Norton incident.
A Prison Service spokesperson rejected the allegations, stating: 'We treat all prisoners fairly and equally, regardless of background circumstances.' Rooney, who previously announced she would use proceeds from her works to support Palestine Action, urged the government to engage with the prisoners and address their demands.
