Hunger striker hospitalized after 59-day protest in London

Hunger Striker Hospitalized After 59 Days Without Food

A hunger striker is reported to be ‘at imminent risk of death’ after being hospitalized six times during 59 days without food while on remand in prison.

Kamran Ahmed was transferred to a hospital from HMP Pentonville in north London early this morning, according to supporters.

Ahmed, 28, from east London, is one of three remaining hunger strikers awaiting trial for their alleged roles in Palestine Action raids on defense facilities.

Supporters stated that Ahmed was hospitalized after an electrocardiogram heart test showed abnormal readings, and his next of kin has been notified.

Other Hunger Strikers in Critical Condition

Heba Muraisi, the longest-running hunger striker from an initial group of eight, is also reported to be in grave danger after 66 days without food.

The 31-year-old, also from east London, has expressed, ‘I am dying in my cell’ and mentioned difficulties in breathing and concentrating.

Her hunger strike duration now matches that of IRA prison leader Bobby Sands, who died in 1981 after a similar period without food.

Concerns for Kamran Ahmed’s Health

Concerns are rising for Kamran Ahmed, who has been on hunger strike for 59 days while in custody awaiting trial.

Zarah Sultana MP, campaigning for the group, stated: ‘Kamran Ahmed is at imminent risk of death.’

She noted that on day 59 of his hunger strike, he has been hospitalized for the sixth time. In 1981, two of the ten IRA hunger strikers died before reaching day 59.

Background on the Hunger Strike

The hunger strike began with an original group of eight placed on remand while charged with offenses related to break-ins and criminal damage at Elbit Systems in August 2024 or another raid at RAF Brize Norton in June last year.

The group has been in prison on remand for over a year, exceeding the UK’s standard six-month pre-trial detention limit.

On Tuesday, Teuta Hoxha became the latest activist to end her hunger strike after 58 days without food.

Protesters’ Demands

Heba Muraisi is currently on hunger strike at HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire while awaiting trial for her alleged role in a Palestine Action raid.

Ms. Sultana stated: ‘Teuta Hoxha has also been hospitalized after ending her hunger strike yesterday, on day 58. She, too, is at imminent risk of death and may be suffering complications related to re-feeding syndrome.’

The protesters demand an end to all censorship of communication in jail, immediate bail, the right to a fair trial, de-proscribing Palestine Action, and shutting down Elbit.

Current Status of Hunger Strikers

Muraisi is protesting against being moved from HMP Bronzefield in Surrey to HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, over 200 miles from her family and support network in East London.

Qesser Zurah, Amu Gib, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, Lewie Chiaramello, Jon Cink, and Umer Khalid began their hunger strike while in custody for their alleged roles in pro-Palestine activity targeting a defense company plant and an RAF base.

Only Muraisi, Ahmed, and Chiaramello continue the protest, while statements from the support group Prisoners for Palestine indicate that others have either paused or ended their actions.

Government Response

A spokesperson for Practice Plus Group, which manages healthcare on behalf of the NHS at New Hall, stated: ‘We provide compassionate, evidence-based care in prisons and manage any patients who are refusing food in accordance with all relevant policies and protocols.’

Lord Timpson, minister of state for prisons, probation, and reducing reoffending, reiterated the government’s position: ‘While very concerning, hunger strikes are not a new issue for our prisons.’

He added that prison healthcare teams provide NHS care and continuously monitor the situation. Remand decisions are made by independent judges, and lawyers can represent their clients in court.

Table of Hunger Strikers’ Status