Greens call for justice for pro-Palestine hunger strikers
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has called on MSPs to share her call for justice for anti-arms trade campaigners who are on hunger strike after being held in prison, some for over a year, with no bail or imminent trial date.
The hunger strikers, who were arrested as part of a protest against Israeli arms firm Elbit Systems or for actions at RAF Brize Norton, have accused prison authorities of “systematic abuse”. Elbit has provided weapons to the Israeli government during the genocide in Gaza, which has seen tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians murdered.
The imprisoned activists have not had an opportunity for bail, nor have they had a trial, despite some being imprisoned for over a year. Because of this lack of access to justice, they feel they have no other option but to protest against their conditions by undertaking a hunger strike.
Scottish Greens have submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament expressing deep concern for the wellbeing of the hunger strikers and calling for urgent action for a fair trial.
Maggie Chapman MSP, who submitted the motion said:
“These brave activists have been cruelly failed by a justice system that is meant to protect their rights and stand up for fair justice.
“The conditions the hunger strikers are facing is a it’s a breach of human rights. The Secretary of State for Justice must urgently ensure these prisoners get the treatment and fair trial they deserve.
“I hope MSPs from all parties will join the Scottish Greens in sending our concerns and calling for urgent justice for the hunger strikers."
Maggie added:
“The UK government has been utterly complicit in Israel’s war crimes, while Elbit has directly enabled and profited from them. The genocide has been played out for all to see in real time, but both the Government and weapons manufacturers have put profits ahead of the rights and lives of Palestinians, as well as international law.
“Instead Labour has criminalised dissent and protest with dangerous and authoritarian policies used to stop peaceful protest.
“People deserve to know about the atrocities the Westminster government has supported. The protesters were trying to prevent further war crimes, death and destruction.
"The Scottish Greens will keep fighting to ensure that Scotland stands for freedom, peace and justice on the international stage.”
The motion submitted to parliament
That the Parliament expresses deep concern for the wellbeing of seven prisoners who have been on hunger strike while awaiting trial for alleged criminal damage during Palestine Action protests; understands that six of the activists have been on hunger strike for up to or more than one month since being denied bail for their alleged involvement in raids on Israel’s largest weapons company and RAF Brize Norton; further understands that the allegations of criminal damage are outstanding, but could yet collapse depending on the outcome of a High Court judicial ruling on the appropriateness of Palestine Action being proscribed as banned under terrorism legislation; shares the concerns of medics who have warned of lack of appropriate care for people who are on hunger strike; calls on authorities to allow prisoners to exercise their human rights to freedom of expression and access to health care; and sends solidarity to the prisoners, their families and supporters.