Four Palestine Action hunger strikers pledge to continue, families say

"Four protesters in jail for alleged offences relating to the Palestine Action group have pledged to maintain their hunger strike, their families have said. Eight activists initially went on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage, with four still maintaining their protest. Four of the group are accused of playing roles in the break-in at Israeli-linked defence technology company Elbit Systems UK and are due to go on trial in May next year at the earliest."

"Those still refusing food are Teuta Hoxha, Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed and Lewie Chiaramello, according to the support group Prisoners for Palestine. Muraisi has gone without food for more than 50 days, according a tracker publicised by the group. And Ahmed and Hoxha have both been on hunger strike for more than 45 days. Chiaramello is fasting intermittently due to an underlying health condition."

"Ahmed's sister Shahmina Alam told Sky News that her brother's spirit is strong despite the increasing danger of going without food. She said: The prison has moved him to cells closer to the nurse's station to ensure he's able to have his vitals managed and respond to any emergency situations. Kamran is still determined. He feels this is the only way to exercise his demands."

Four of eight activists jailed over alleged Palestine Action offences remain on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage. Four defendants face charges over a break-in at Elbit Systems UK with trial not until at least May next year; the other four are accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton and spraying red paint on two RAF Voyager planes. Those still refusing food include Teuta Hoxha, Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed and Lewie Chiaramello, with Muraisi over 50 days without food and Ahmed and Hoxha over 45 days. Lawyers warn the protest could be fatal. Families report serious health decline and the prison has moved at least one detainee closer to medical staff.

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