Palestine Action Prisoners: Music Stars Worry Over Hunger Strike
Palestine Action Hunger Strike: Kneecap, Massive Attack, and garbage Raise Concerns Over UK Protesters’ Conditions
Updated December 3, 2023
A growing number of musicians and activists are voicing concern over the health and well-being of eight prisoners currently on hunger strike in the UK. These individuals are among a larger group of 24 protesters facing charges related to actions against Elbit systems in Filton, Bristol, and at RAF Brize norton, Oxfordshire. The hunger strike is a protest against the length of time they’ve been held on remand, the severity of the charges, and what protesters describe as politically motivated prosecution.
The Protests and the Charges
The protests at the heart of this case center around Elbit Systems, an Israeli-owned arms company with factories in the UK. Palestine action campaigns against Elbit,alleging its technology is used in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
* Filton 24: in 2023, 24 individuals were arrested following a protest at an elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol. They are accused of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. The Crown prosecution Service (CPS) has stated there is a “terrorism connection” to the case, but crucially, no charges have been brought under the Terrorism Act. This distinction is a key point of contention for supporters, who argue the label is being used to justify harsher treatment and prolonged detention. The trial is scheduled for April 2025.
* Brize Norton Five: Five protesters were arrested after allegedly damaging two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire in June 2023. They initially faced charges of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place. Their trial is not scheduled until January 2027 - a delay that has fueled the hunger strike. Palestine Action claimed obligation for the incident.
The lengthy pre-trial detention periods are a major source of concern. Under UK law, defendants are generally presumed innocent until proven guilty, and pre-trial detention should be reserved for cases where there is a meaningful risk of flight, re-offending, or interference with the inquiry. Critics argue that the length of time these protesters have been held on remand is disproportionate to the alleged offenses and raises questions about the fairness of the legal process.
The Hunger Strike and Public Support
On November 27, 2023, eight prisoners began a hunger strike to protest their detention conditions and the charges against them. The protesters are demanding:
* Shorter Remand Times: A reduction in the length of time they are held in pre-trial detention.
* Fair Trial: A trial conducted without prejudice based on the unsubstantiated “terrorism connection” label.
* Access to Adequate Healthcare: Concerns have been raised about the quality of healthcare available to the prisoners.
The hunger strike has garnered significant public support, especially within the music community.
* Kneecap: The Irish rap group Kneecap posted on social media expressing solidarity with the protesters and highlighting the injustice of their situation.
* Massive Attack: The Bristol-based trip-hop pioneers massive Attack have also voiced their support, given the protests took place in their home city.
* Garbage: The Scottish-American rock band Garbage has added its voice to the growing chorus of concern.
These artists, along with numerous activist groups, are using their platforms to raise awareness about the case and pressure the authorities to address the protesters’ concerns. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #FreeTheFilton24 and #BrizeNortonFive are gaining traction.