Kneecap, Massive Attack and Garbage have highlighted their fears for a group of Palestine Acton prisoners on hunger strike in the UK.
Eight prisoners are among 24 protesters accused in relation to action at Elbit Systems in Filton near Bristol last year, as well as the so-called Brize Norton Five.
According to The Guardian, the Filton 24 are scheduled to be tried on charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder in April next year. The Crown Prosecution Service said there was a “terrorism connection”, but no charges have been brought under the Terrorism Act.
Those on remand in relation to the damage of two Voyager aircraft during a protest at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20 were previously charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage, and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK.
They are not scheduled to stand trial until January 2027. Palestine Action claimed responsibility for both incidents.
Now, the likes of Kneecap’s Móglái Bap, Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja and Garbage have shared posts on their Instagram Stories from campaigners who claim that the prisoners “are currently being held without bail in British prisons” and to date “three hunger strikers have been hospitalised”.
Mothers Against Genocide Scotland have also accused the BBC of remaining silent on the issue and have urged them to report on this “urgent, life-threatening crisis,” adding: “We demand you fulfil that duty”.
NME has reached out to the BBC for comment.
Among the prisoners’ demands is the de-proscription of Palestine Action, which was banned under terrorism legislation in July and proscribed as a terrorist group by the UK government.
The group’s proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 means membership or public support for the group is classified as a criminal offence and could result in up to 14 years in jail.
Last week a three-day judicial review of the Home Office’s unprecedented decision to ban the direct action group, alongside two Russian militias, ended in the High Court. A judgement is expected this week, according to The Observer.
Earlier this summer, Massive Attack slammed the government for allowing the arrest of “peaceful citizens” at a Palestine Action demonstration in London. Over 500 people were arrested at the huge protest in central London organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries in August. Primal Scream also criticised the arrests.
Later that month, Hozier also used used his set at Reading Festival 2025 to speak out in support of Palestine Action.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/kneecap-massive-attack-garbage-highlight-fears-for-palestine-action-prisoners-on-hunger-strike-in-uk-3917449