Today in Focus The Palestine Action hunger strikers close to death
11 snips
Jan 7, 2026 
Haroon Sadiq, Legal affairs correspondent for The Guardian, discusses the dire situation of three activists on a hunger strike, emphasizing their health risks and the government's refusal to intervene. Shamina Ahmed shares her personal experience as the sister of one hunger striker, revealing the emotional toll on her family. They tackle the reasons behind the hunger strikes, the historical context of such protests, and the tense political climate surrounding the issue. Both guests advocate for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of the strikers' conditions.
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A Brother’s Story Of Conviction
- Cameron Ahmed has always defended others and developed into a calm, spiritual figure his sister relies on for advice.
- He is now a 28-year-old remand prisoner on hunger strike for 59 days protesting his treatment and the ban on Palestine Action.
Proscription Has Major Legal Consequences
- The Home Office proscribed Palestine Action in summer, creating legal and logistical chaos for many protesters.
- A high-court challenge to the ban could force the government into a difficult position if the ban is found unlawful.
Clear Demands Behind The Hunger Strike
- The hunger strikers are remand detainees charged over actions at Elbit Systems and RAF Brize Norton and want bail, fair trials and deprescription.
- Their demands also include ending communication censorship and closing Elbit sites in the UK.