A desperate scene unfolded outside HMP Bronzefield as supporters rallied for Qesser Zuhrah, a hunger striker now critically ill after over a month without food. Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South, joined the vigil, her presence a beacon of urgency against the cold reality of the situation. Zuhrah, arrested in connection with protests targeting arms manufacturers, has reportedly lost a significant amount of weight and is no longer able to stand.
The core issue isn’t simply a hunger strike; it’s a battle for access to basic medical care. For fourteen hours, an ambulance was denied entry to the prison, a delay supporters claim is a life-threatening obstruction. Sultana directly appealed to David Lammy and Wes Streeting, pleading for immediate intervention, but her calls initially went unanswered. The weight of potential consequences hung heavy in the air – a life needlessly lost within the walls of a prison.
Zuhrah’s arrest stemmed from a dawn raid linked to actions against Elbit Systems, a major Israeli arms manufacturer, and RAF Brize Norton. She is one of six activists currently refusing food, a protest mirroring the historic hunger strikes of Irish republicans led by Bobby Sands decades ago. This is reportedly the largest such protest within the UK prison system since that pivotal moment in history.
The situation escalated as doctors on the scene, Olivia Brandon and Ayo Moiett, confirmed Zuhrah’s urgent need for hospital assessment. The prison’s facilities, they stated, are simply inadequate to provide the necessary blood tests and scans. Every moment of delay chips away at Zuhrah’s dwindling strength, amplifying the desperation of those gathered outside the prison walls.
Sultana remained steadfast, declaring, “We’re not going anywhere,” until an ambulance is permitted to transfer Zuhrah for emergency treatment. Her unwavering commitment resonated with the growing crowd, bolstered by support from Unison members. The message was clear: a life is at stake, and they would not stand down until help arrived.
Zuhrah, even in her weakened state, managed to convey a powerful message of resistance. Through a statement released by the Prisoners for Palestine campaign, she urged mass action, calling for streets to be flooded and factories shut down. Her words, a testament to her unwavering beliefs, echoed the spirit of defiance that fueled her protest.
An ambulance finally arrived, prompting a wave of emotion among the protestors. While the reason for the visit remained initially unclear, the collective hope was palpable. HMP Bronzefield maintains that all prisoners have access to healthcare, and receive regular medical assessments, but supporters argue this assurance rings hollow in Zuhrah’s current condition.
The prison’s statement emphasizes adherence to UK-wide policies and procedures, and encourages prisoners to voice complaints through established channels. However, for Zuhrah and her supporters, these processes feel agonizingly slow and inadequate. The fight for her immediate medical attention underscores a deeper struggle – a challenge to the system itself.
A family member shared a heartbreaking detail: Zuhrah, weakened and frail, still longs for a hug, a simple human connection she is now unable to receive. This poignant image encapsulates the profound human cost of the ongoing protest and the urgent need for a resolution. The situation remains critical, a stark reminder of the power of conviction and the fragility of life.
