Two pro-Palestinian activists concluded their hunger strikes on March 6, 2024, marking an event considered one of the longest in UK history. Heba Muraisi, aged 31, fasted for an impressive 73 days, while Kamran Ahmed, 28, abstained from food for 66 days. Their protest was part of a larger group of eight activists who are currently in pre-trial detention, voicing concerns over their lengthy incarceration and what they describe as a suppression of political dissent linked to the conflict in Gaza.
A third activist, Lewie Chiaramello, who modified his fasting due to diabetes, ended his protest after 46 days. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine reported that all three activists have begun refeeding in compliance with health guidelines. Muraisi and Ahmed were admitted to the hospital following the conclusion of their strikes, according to their friends and family.
The activists were part of the “Filton 24,” a collective of individuals associated with the now-banned group, Palestine Action. They face serious charges, including burglary and criminal damage, stemming from their alleged break-in and vandalism at a research and development site in Filton, located to the west of London. This site is operated by Elbit Systems, recognized as Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer. Both Muraisi and Ahmed deny the charges and are currently awaiting trial.
Government Actions and Activist Demands
Palestine Action aims to disrupt the operations of companies connected to the Israeli government, advocating for the closure of 16 sites where Elbit Systems operates in the UK. The group was designated as a terrorist organization by the UK government last summer, a move characterized by the then-Home Secretary as critical for national security. Critics, including rights organizations and civil liberties advocates, have condemned this classification as an overreach intended to suppress legitimate protest.
The hunger strikers concluded their fast following the UK government’s decision not to award a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) defense contract to Elbit Systems UK. This development was highlighted by Prisoners for Palestine as a key victory in their campaign. Activists had been calling for their immediate release on bail, an end to perceived restrictions on their communications, the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action, and a fair trial. They also claimed that the government had withheld essential documents related to their cases.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Justice stated earlier this week that both Muraisi and Ahmed would receive a fair trial. The ministry facilitated a meeting between health officials and the prisoners’ legal representatives concerning their healthcare. The spokesperson emphasized, “They face serious charges, and no government could agree to their demands, many of which relate to ongoing legal proceedings, including immediate bail, which is a matter for independent judges.”
In a related development, Muraisi, who had requested to be relocated closer to her family in London due to her mother’s serious health conditions, will be transferred back to HMP Bronzefield, located west of the capital. The group Prisoners for Palestine announced this relocation and claimed that additional “victories” had been achieved throughout the duration of the hunger strike.
CNN has sought further comments from the Ministry of Justice regarding the situation.
