The family of a British activist held on remand has issued a desperate warning that she could die in a UK prison, as she enters her 43rd day of a hunger strike.
A sister's plea as health declines
Teuta Hoxha, who turns 30 on Monday behind bars, is one of eight Palestine Action prisoners refusing food in protest at their detention. Her younger sister, 17-year-old Rahma, told Sky News that Teuta's health is deteriorating rapidly, suffering from continuous headaches and mobility issues so severe she can no longer stand for prayer.
"I know that she's already instructed the doctors on what to do if she collapses and she's instructed them on what to do if she passes away," Rahma said. "She's only 29 - she's not even 30 yet and nobody should be thinking about that."
Teuta has been on remand for 13 months awaiting trial, with her case not scheduled until April next year. Repeated bail applications have been denied. Despite her own ill health, Rahma says her sister calls from HMP Peterborough daily to help with homework and revision, acting as a mother figure since their own mother's death.
The demands of the hunger strikers
The group of eight, all of whom deny charges relating to alleged break-ins or criminal damage, are striking with four key demands. They are calling for:
- An end to the UK hosting weapons factories supplying arms to Israel.
- The de-proscription of Palestine Action as a group.
- An end to the mistreatment of prisoners in custody.
- Immediate bail for those on remand.
Their families have warned that young British citizens will die in UK prisons without ever being convicted. UK law sets custody time limits to prevent excessive pre-trial detention, requiring the prosecution to progress cases diligently.
Government and judicial response
The government has stated it will not intervene. Minister of state for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, Lord Timpson, said: "These prisoners are charged with serious offences including aggravated burglary and criminal damage. Remand decisions are for independent judges... It would be entirely unconstitutional and inappropriate for ministers to intervene in ongoing legal cases."
A spokesperson for HMP Peterborough declined to comment on specific individuals but said all prisoners are managed in line with government policies and that there are channels for complaints.
As Teuta Hoxha faces a birthday without celebration, her sister summarised her resolve: "The only form of resistance she has is her body and that's what she is using against the state." The situation presents a stark challenge to the UK's justice system, balancing the right to a fair trial against the right to liberty before conviction.
