Protesters in South Africa (SA) are calling on the government to exert pressure on Britain to urgently intervene and end a hunger strike involving activists linked to the organisation Palestine Action.
Eight of the hunger strikers are among 33 activists currently in custody in Britain, following the destruction of military equipment at Israeli-linked arms factories. Britain has classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, a label rejected by supporters.
Speaking during a picket in Durban, organiser Saydoon Sayed says the activists are peaceful campaigners protesting alleged maltreatment in prison and demanding bail.
“What is vital is that the situation is so desperate that the United Nations Human Rights Commission has called for immediate action by the government of the United Kingdom (UK),” Sayed said.
He says protesters want SA to use its diplomatic influence to prevent loss of life.
“We are calling on our own government the SA government to amplify this call and apply maximum pressure on the British government to take immediate action, so that we do not lose lives,” he added.
Sayed says one of the detainees, Heba Muraisi, has already been on hunger strike for 65 days, raising serious fears about her health.
Protesters warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could turn fatal, and are urging the SA government to engage Britain at the highest diplomatic level.
–ChannelAfrica–
