A prominent statue of Queen Victoria in a popular Sheffield park has been defaced with graffiti in an apparent act of solidarity with pro-Palestinian hunger strikers.
Vandalism in Endcliffe Park
Photographs that emerged on social media on Saturday morning show the former monarch's statue in Endcliffe Park, west Sheffield, heavily splattered with red paint. The words 'END THE HUNGER' were daubed in green paint on the statue's base.
The choice of red and green is widely associated with the Palestinian flag. The location is near the park's main entrance, close to the Hunter's Bar roundabout. The exact timing of the incident remains unknown.
One resident expressed dismay online, stating it was the worst vandalism they had seen on the statue and voiced concern for nearby memorials.
Link to Hunger Striking Activists
The phrase 'END THE HUNGER' is believed to reference six Palestine Action activists currently on hunger strike while awaiting trial. They face charges including alleged criminal damage, aggravated burglary, and violent disorder.
Four of the protesters are accused of involvement in a raid on a UK factory for Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence contractor, near Bristol in August 2024. A court heard a prison officer allegedly suffered a fractured spine during that incident.
The other two are alleged to have broken into RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military Airbus Voyager aircraft by spraying red paint into their engines.
Fears for Activists' Health in Custody
The hunger strike, considered one of the largest in the UK since 1981, has prompted serious warnings that the activists could die in custody. Their lawyers have urgently requested a meeting with Justice Secretary David Lammy.
In a letter, Imran Khan & Partners, representing the prisoners, warned of the 'immediate and real risk' to their lives due to their deteriorating health and deeply held convictions.
One of the six, Kamran Ahmed, told The Times of experiencing chest pains, shaking, and plummeting blood sugars. He quoted a nurse saying: 'I'm scared you're not going to wake up [when you go to sleep]. Please eat something.'
Lawyers also claim the activists face severe restrictions on visits, calls, and mail, which they argue could amount to 'enforced disappearance'.
South Yorkshire Police has been contacted for comment regarding the vandalism.
