Fifth Palestine Action prisoner joins hunger strike over UK detention conditions

A fifth prisoner affiliated with the proscribed Palestine Action group has launched a hunger strike, protesting detention conditions and the UK government’s ban on the activist organization.

T Hoxha, 29, has joined four other prisoners participating in a rolling hunger strike that began on November 2, citing what they describe as “systematic abuse” by prison authorities.

The other prisoners include Qesser Zurah and Amu Gibb at HMP Bronzefield, Heba Muraisi at HMP New Hall, and Jon Cink at Bronzefield. Hoxha, currently held at HMP Peterborough, has been on remand since November 2024 and is awaiting trial in April 2026.

Hoxha is one of the “Filton 24”, activists arrested on terrorism charges after an August 2024 action where six members drove a modified van into the UK facility of 'Israeli' arms company Elbit Systems in Filton, Bristol. This marks her second hunger strike in three months, following a three-week protest in August over worsening treatment after the government banned Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The campaign group Prisoners for Palestine (PFP) announced the hunger strike after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood failed to respond to a letter outlining the prisoners’ demands, including immediate bail, unimpeded communication, and de-proscription of the group. More prisoners are expected to join the strike in the coming weeks.

The hunger strikers have received support from international activists. Georges Abdallah, a Lebanese former political prisoner, sent a message of solidarity, while US activist Jakhi McCray, under house arrest, pledged to begin a hunger strike in support.

Prisoners report being denied medical attention, electrolytes, and fair trial protections, with one prisoner now over a week without food.

PFP spokesperson Audrey Corno praised Hoxha’s resilience, quoting her, “Don’t worry about me. I’ve read about Guantanamo, and I am embarrassed – I will do this hunger strike in comparative comfort. Whatever happens to me cannot compare to the scenes in Palestine. Therefore I will persevere.”

Corno added, “This is the strength the British state is up against.”