Three detainees in the UK, held on remand for alleged offenses linked to Palestine Action activities, have initiated a hunger strike to protest what they describe as “systematic abuse” by prison authorities. The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) revealed on Sunday that Qesser Zurah and Amu Gibb began a rolling hunger strike at HMP Bronzefield by refusing food. Huba Muraisi, detained at HMP New Hall, joined the protest on Monday. PFP anticipates more participants in the coming days but refrained from disclosing exact numbers due to fears of further targeting by authorities. Muraisi, a Yemeni national with family in Gaza, is part of the Filton 24, a group arrested on terrorism charges in August 2024 for targeting an Israeli arms company’s research hub in Bristol. Although the charges are now non-terror-related, the Crown Prosecution Service plans to argue a “terrorism connection” in court, potentially worsening their sentences. All Filton 24 defendants have been denied bail and held beyond the UK’s standard 182-day pre-trial custody limit. PFP claims Muraisi has faced severe restrictions, including privacy violations, limited access to books and visits, and forced segregation. Her hijab, a kuffiyeh used during prayers, was reportedly removed by prison security. Muraisi was transferred to HMP Newhall, far from her family and support network. Qesser was allegedly confined to her cell after announcing her hunger strike, with guards threatening disciplinary action. The strike follows the Home Secretary’s failure to address their demands for bail and an end to prison interference with communications. In July, Palestine Action was banned and classified as a terrorist organization, leading to increased restrictions on detainees’ post, calls, and visits. This prompted a previous hunger strike by detainee T Hoxha in August.
Palestine Action prisoners launch rolling hunger strike over detention conditions
