Palestine Action activist could die ‘within days’ after starting new thirst strike
A Palestine Action activist is facing death after turning his protest into a thirst strike, 13 days after resuming his hunger strike.
Mohammed Umer Khalid, who suffers from Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder, could die “within hours or days” due to the “high risks” associated with his condition, according to campaign group Prisoners of Palestine.
The group confirmed that Mr Khalid had asked prison staff not to intervene if he lost consciousness.
In commentary provided by Prisoners of Palestine, Dr. Rupa Marya said: “Without hydration, people usually die from acute kidney failure and other ailments within 3 to 4 days.
“Umer Khalid’s risk of premature death is further increased due to his underlying health condition.
“It’s Friday. By Monday, if the UK government continues to stall, we can expect this young man to be in the process of dying, if not dead.”
Khalid’s demands include immediate bail, the reopening of the Gaza investigation, as well as “the release of surveillance footage of RAF spy flights on the night British aid workers were killed and full disclosure of damage figures from the Brize Norton action”, and called on the government to take action before escalating the thirst strike.
He was initially on hunger strike before Christmas, then took a break because he became seriously ill.
Participants in the hunger strike are in prison awaiting trial for alleged trespass or criminal damage on behalf of the Palestine Movement before the group is banned under terrorism legislation; They denied these charges and demanded that they be dropped.
The campaign group reported that many hunger strikers who ended their protest after 73 days were experiencing symptoms of refeeding syndrome, which can occur when reintroducing food after a period of malnutrition.
Other Palestine Action began “re-feeding” the Government in early January, claiming it had met one of its key demands.
Many prisoners have been hospitalized since the hunger strike began on November 2.
The Press Association applied to the Ministry of Justice for comment.
