The family of a British man on a prolonged hunger strike have issued a desperate plea to the government, stating they now 'fear the worst' for his life. Kamran Ahmed, a 28-year-old from London, has refused food for almost 50 days in a protest related to Palestine.
A Critical Health Situation
Ahmed's health has deteriorated severely during his protest. He has been hospitalised twice after suffering intense chest pains, tremors he compared to being tasered, and slurred speech. Despite the critical risk, Ahmed has stated that dying for his cause would be 'worthwhile'.
The protester has been on remand in HMP Pentonville for seven months. He is accused of using sledgehammers to break into the UK site of an Israel-based defence company near Patchway, Bristol.
Family's Plea and Government Response
Ahmed's sister, Shahmina Alam, has directly confronted Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who initially said he 'did not know' about the eight prisoners on hunger strike. In a plea reported by The Guardian, Shahmina urged Lammy that 'there's still time to do better', calling for an end to UK complicity and support for the prisoners.
His father, Ali, told the Middle East Eye that his son's health is worsening, while updates from authorities have stopped. 'We [stopped] receiving updates. The hospitals go straight to the prison, not us,' Shahmina explained. 'Meaning if he turns for the worse or dies, we won't hear it first. The prison will.'
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson strongly refuted claims of neglect, stating: 'We want these prisoners to accept support and get better, and we will not create perverse incentives that would encourage more people to put themselves at risk through hunger strikes.'
Legal Action and Political Stance
On December 22, the group Palestine Action submitted a legal letter to David Lammy outlining its intention to commence legal action. They accuse the government of neglecting its own prison safety policies.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that 'rules and procedures' are being followed, and ministers have declined to meet with hunger striker representatives. Prisons minister Lord Timpson told The Mirror that while concerning, hunger strikes are not new, with over 200 averaged annually in the last five years.
'Ministers will not meet with them,' he said. 'It would be entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate for Ministers to intervene in ongoing legal cases.'
As Kamran Ahmed's protest reaches a critical point, his family continues their agonising wait, with his mother Sanwara Begum saying, 'My son's bed is empty every night. That's what keeps me awake.'
