In recent days, a significant protest unfolded outside HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, led by Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana. This gathering was organized to raise awareness and demand immediate medical assistance for a prisoner currently undertaking a hunger strike. The individual in question, Qesser Zuhrah, has been on a hunger strike for an alarming 46 days, during which she has reportedly fallen “critically ill.” The situation has become dire, with Sultana expressing concerns about the “immediate” risk of death looming over Zuhrah if urgent medical care is not provided.
Zuhrah is presently held on remand at HMP Bronzefield, awaiting trial on charges associated with her involvement in the activities of a group known as Palestine Action. This group, which was engaged in controversial actions, has been designated a criminal organization under the current Terrorism legislation. Following the proscription of Palestine Action, any form of membership or support for the group has been rendered illegal, carrying the potential for punitive actions including imprisonment for up to 14 years.
Sultana’s calls for an ambulance to be permitted into the prison premises gained traction on social media, spearheaded by her posts on X (formerly Twitter). Her fervent appeals culminated in a successful transfer of Zuhrah to a hospital facility, which was confirmed later that day. The MP also attempted to reach out to senior government officials, including Justice Secretary David Lammy and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, but initially received no response.
Adding to the protest’s relevance, the legal battle surrounding Palestine Action continues to unfold. The group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, has sought revocation of the ban, arguing that it infringes upon rights to free expression. While an appeal against the ban was filed, high court judges are expected to decide on the legality of the prohibition in the coming weeks, amidst concerns voiced by lawyers representing the hunger strikers. They indicate that there is a “real and increasingly likely potential” for the hunger-striking prisoners to face life-threatening consequences while protesting their treatment.
Footage from the protest indicated a diverse gathering, with individuals of various ages and ethnic backgrounds showing solidarity. Among the attendees was Green Party peer Baroness Jenny Jones, who reassured the crowd of Zuhrah’s hospital transfer before departing the scene. The protest, albeit focused on one individual, was emblematic of broader discontent relating to the treatment of individuals charged in association with the controversial group.
In response to the crisis and the protests, a spokesperson from HMP Bronzefield reiterated the facility’s commitment to ensuring that all prisoners have complete access to healthcare services. They asserted that procedures are in place to regularly assess inmates who refuse food, including provision for external medical evaluations as necessary. However, this assertion was met with skepticism by protestors who feared that bureaucracy could contribute to worsening health conditions for those involved in hunger strikes.
With the protest resulting in a successful hospital transfer for Zuhrah, the situation remains fluid, with follow-ups from both legal representatives and political figures anticipated. This case has not only put a spotlight on the individual challenges faced by prisoners like Zuhrah but has also opened discussions on broader issues surrounding the legality of anti-terrorism measures, human rights, and the response of governmental bodies to such urgent humanitarian crises.
As this situation continues to develop, public interest remains high, with numerous voices advocating for the health and rights of those implicated, ensuring that calls for justice and care resonate well beyond the confines of the prison walls.
