Rights group disputes claim ministers cannot act over Palestine Action-linked hunger strikers

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has challenged the UK government's claim that it cannot intervene in the hunger strike by Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners. HRW's letter to the attorney general argues that ministers could facilitate bail for the prisoners, including Heba Muraisi, who is on day 73 of her hunger strike, by instructing prosecutors not to oppose bail applications. The organization expresses concern over the prolonged pre-trial detention and deteriorating health of Muraisi and other Palestine Action members. HRW urges the government to review the length and conditions of their detention, noting that Muraisi has been in custody for over 400 days, exceeding the standard six-month pre-trial custody limit, with her trial scheduled for June. HRW emphasizes the government's responsibility to prevent foreseeable loss of life in state custody.