Four Palestine Action Hunger Strikers Finally Granted Bail

Four Palestine Action-linked remand prisoners who went on hunger strike last year have been  granted bail, which was one of the key demands of their protest.

They are among 12 prisoners from the Filton 24 granted bail at a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday 20 February. All but one of the 24 activists, who are accused of raiding an Elbit facility near Bristol in 2024, are now out on bail.

​Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, Qesser Zuhrah and Heba Muraisi refused food for up to 73 days, starting in November last year, to protest their lengthy pre-trial detention and to call for the closure of the UK operations of Elbit Systems, Israel’s biggest weapons firm.

The bail decision comes after all members of the Filton 24 were found not guilty of aggravated burglary, which was the most serious charge the majority faced and carries a maximum life sentence. They are still expected to stand trial on other charges, including criminal damage.

Only Samuel Corner, who is facing an additional charge of GBH with intent against a police officer, remains on remand.

A spokesperson from the Filton24 Defence Committee said: “Today is a monumental victory for the Filton 24. Many of them faced up to two years on remand before trial, far exceeding the six-month pre-trial custody time limit.”

They added: “Some of them were left with no other option but to hunger strike as a means to resist their unjust incarceration and continue to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. Despite the state’s best efforts to break each and every one of them, they will walk out today with their heads held high.”