Around 100 police officers detained protesters outside Wormwood Scrubs on Saturday. Demonstrators gathered to demand written guarantees for 22-year-old Umer Khalid. Khalid remains on remand inside the west London prison. He continues a hunger strike that has now reached sixteen days. He also began a dangerous thirst strike three days ago.
Prisoners for Palestine organised the demonstration and led the march. The group accused police of using extreme force against peaceful attendees. A spokesperson said officers punched, kicked, and restrained several protesters. They said police forced some people face down on the ground. They also claimed a Bronze Commander repeatedly struck a restrained protester.
Prisoners for Palestine said the arrests revealed state fear and weakness. The group vowed to escalate actions in support of Palestine. They also pledged to push for Elbit’s removal from Britain. Meanwhile, witnesses rejected claims of aggravated trespass by police. One protester said officers never asked anyone to leave the area.
They said the entrance remained open and unrestricted throughout the protest. They also said prison staff entered freely without any obstruction. Supporters stressed that police accusations did not match the events.
Khalid suffers from Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic condition. His illness increases the risk of permanent damage during hunger strikes. He became too weak to walk during his earlier strike. Doctors warned that his condition makes starvation far more dangerous.
Police charged Khalid over an incident at RAF Brize Norton. Activists spray painted two military aircraft during that protest. Flight data later showed Israeli refuelling planes used the same RAF base. Those planes later flew toward Gaza during major airstrikes. One strike killed dozens in the northern city of Beit Lahiya.
Prisoners for Palestine said these links justified their direct action. The group called the hunger strikes an act of resistance. They said no prison walls will stop the movement. They also promised continued protests across the country. Prisoners for Palestine urged supporters to keep demanding justice. They said solidarity will grow despite arrests and repression.
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