Hunger Strike by Remand Prisoners Raises Urgent Health and Legal Concerns
ben83735
22 minutes ago
1 min read
A group of remand prisoners held in UK prisons over alleged protest-related offences are on hunger strike. The strike began on the 2nd of November, and several prisoners have since been hospitalised as their health deteriorates. At least seven have been admitted to hospital, with some refusing food for over six weeks. One prisoner is reported to be on day 51 of the strike and another on day 43.
Doctors and families warn that the prisoners face severe risks, including organ failure, neurological damage, cardiac complications, and death. More than 800 medical professionals have signed a letter to senior ministers warning that some prisoners are now at critical risk without specialist care.
IKP have begun pre-action legal proceedings against the government, accusing it of failing to follow prison safety and hunger strike policies.
IKP have written repeatedly to the Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy requesting an urgent meeting, but have received no response to the request to meet. The legal letter demands action within 24 hours and warns that the risk of death increases daily.
Families, doctors and MPs have raised concerns publicly about prisoner welfare and a lack of transparency around medical treatment and hospital transfers.
The prisoners are held on remand over alleged break-ins or criminal damage linked to protest actions. Some have been in custody for over a year without trial, and all deny the allegations. Their demands include immediate bail, protection of fair trial rights, freedom of expression in custody and the lifting of the terrorism-related ban on their protest group.
