Relatives of several individuals on a prolonged hunger strike have issued a public appeal and legal challenge to the Justice Secretary, urging an immediate meeting to resolve a standoff that has left multiple protesters in severe medical distress.
The situation reached a critical point this week as lawyers for the strikers formally notified the Justice Secretary that his refusal to convene a meeting constitutes a failure to adhere to official policy regarding the management of such protests. This legal action underscores the deteriorating health of the participants, some of whom have refused food for over 50 days.
Currently, three individuals have required recent hospital treatment. Among them, one protester has been hospitalized three separate times, with family members stating his condition is now critical. A relative of one striker made a direct plea for intervention, stating there remains an opportunity to prevent a tragic outcome and to address the underlying grievances that prompted the protest. She emphasized the need for humanity and dialogue, drawing a stark comparison to historical hunger strikes that ended in loss of life.
Communication has been a significant point of contention. Families report being left without information or updates when their relatives are transferred for emergency medical care, compounding their distress. In one instance, supporters gathered outside a prison, alleging that officials delayed a necessary hospital transfer.
A spokesperson for a group supporting the prisoners stated that while the government pauses for the holiday season, those on strike continue to suffer in their cells, with their lives in imminent danger. The group vowed to continue its legal and public pressure.
The legal letter cites official guidelines, arguing the Justice Secretary has a duty to assemble a review panel, including individuals suggested by the protesters themselves, to address the reasons for their refusal to eat. A response was demanded within a short deadline due to the urgency of the health crisis.
In response, a government spokesperson rejected the claims, asserting that while they want the individuals to accept support and recover, they will not establish incentives that might encourage others to undertake similar risky protests.
All individuals involved are being held in pre-trial detention, charged with offences related to protest activities, and have been in custody for over a year awaiting trial. Their supporters argue the lengthy pre-trial detention is a contributing factor to the protest.
While there is reported concern within government circles about the protesters’ health, there is also significant caution about taking any action that could be seen as setting a precedent, particularly given the large number of individuals currently held on remand due to court backlogs. Officials maintain that regular reviews are conducted to encourage the protesters to end their strikes and accept support, but that the ministry’s legal and medical options are limited. They note that fatalities from hunger strikes in custody are exceedingly rare, with most ending voluntarily.