Serious concerns expressed for prisoners on hunger strike
'These prisoners are protesting their prolonged pre-trial detention, with some having been held for over a year without trial' - Cllr Pat Murphy
Derry City and Strabane District councillor Pat Murphy (Sinn Féin) has expressed serious concerns regarding the treatment and human rights of eight prisoners in Britain who have embarked on a collective hunger strike.
The Ballyarnett councillor said: "It is extremely concerning that eight pro-Palestinian prisoners have felt they have no other recourse than to protest their prison conditions by going on hunger strike. These prisoners are protesting their prolonged pre-trial detention, with some having been held for over a year without trial.
"The right to a fair trial, including reasonable bail conditions, is an absolute right that must be protected in any democratic society.
"My party colleague Pat Sheehan MLA has met with representatives, friends and family members of these hunger strikers. It is considerably worrying that their health conditions are now beginning to seriously deteriorate - I understand a number of them have been hospitalised.
"As a party, Sinn Féin calls on the British Secretary of State for Justice to intervene immediately and urgently to ensure their treatment is humane and their human rights are upheld. No one should be criminalised for legitimately protesting against war crimes. In a world that has failed to prevent a genocide against the Palestinian people, we will always stand with those who strive for justice."