Emergency rally to be held in Derry to support Prisoners for Palestine hunger strikers

Derry IPSC spokesperson, Janine McLaughlin, said: “Six young people are facing death on hunger strike in British prisons.

“By Friday, the hunger strike will be on day 48 and we know how dangerous a situation they are now in. We, in this city, are no strangers to hunger strikes with the deaths of two Derry political prisoners, Patsy O’Hara and Mickey Devine in 1981.”

Janine said some of the prisoners have been in prison already for over 18 months awaiting trial.

She said the hunger strikers should have access to basic healthcare and that their condition should be monitored.

She said that this was “most starkly” evidenced in the case of Qesser Zuhrah, a young woman of just 20 years old who is in Bronzefield prison.

Derry IPSC said it is ‘vital that all who support Palestinian rights unite in support of the hunger strikers.’

"We have invited speakers from all the political parties on the Council, as well as from the O’Hara and Devine families.”

Meanwhile, People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin expressed solidarity with the hunger strikers.

He said: "It's urgent that we escalate pressure on the British government to act on the demands of eight imprisoned Palestine solidarity activists on hunger strike.

“Four of the political prisoners for Palestine have been on hunger strike for more than 40 days and their situation is critical.

“We send our solidarity to the hunger strikers, all the Prisoners for Palestine, their families and supporters.

“We should not allow Starmer to let them die. Mass pressure is needed now to force the British government to intervene and meet their demands."