Raising concerns over the welfare of imprisoned Palestine Action activist Umer Khalid, who has recently escalated his hunger strike by refusing water, Kerry Moscogiuri, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, said:

“Umer Khalid is in a desperate situation and we urge representatives of the Government to meet with his lawyers this weekend before it is too late.

“Amnesty International has long opposed the misuse of terrorism powers that has led to lengthy, oppressive, and disproportionate detention conditions, contributing directly to this crisis.

“None of the people who have been involved in the hunger strikes have been found guilty of a crime, yet some have been held in prison for up to 18 months and counting in restrictive conditions after anti-terrorism powers have been used against them. 

“Action is urgently needed now to guarantee communication with legal representatives, ensure proper family contact and provide all urgent and appropriate medical care.”