Michael Mansfield criticises ministers’ refusal to meet Palestine Action hunger strikers
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Human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield has criticized the UK government's refusal to meet with hunger-striking prisoners affiliated with Palestine Action. The Ministry of Justice stated that meeting the strikers risked creating "perverse incentives," a claim Mansfield called "ludicrous." Mansfield argued that the government's reasoning is flawed, as few people would risk their lives to be granted bail. He urged the government to consider releasing the prisoners on bail with appropriate conditions. The hunger strikers, originally eight in number, are awaiting trial on charges related to alleged break-ins and criminal damage during protests and have already served over a year in prison. Mansfield has sent a letter to the justice secretary, David Lammy, condemning his refusal to meet with their representatives.
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Key Claims (5)
AI-ExtractedQesser Zuhrah ended her hunger strike on day 48.
Each hunger striker will have already served more than a year in prison before facing trial.
All of the original eight hunger strikers are being held in prison awaiting trial.
Michael Mansfield KC condemned the justice secretary's refusal to meet with representatives as “utterly astonishing”.
The Ministry of Justice said meeting hunger strikers risked creating “perverse incentives”.
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