West Dunbartonshire councillors have condemned the alleged mistreatment of eight prisoners associated with Palestine Action who are on hunger strike to protest against their imprisonment.
A motion was brought before the latest full council meeting by Councillor Chris Pollok calling on the Secretary of State David Lammy to intervene and ensure treatment is humane and human rights are upheld.
Councillors were also asked to express their concern for the prisoners who have felt that they have no other recourse to protest against their imprisonment but to launch a hunger strike.
The council also reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to principles of justice, fairness and the protection of fundamental rights for all individuals regardless of their political affiliation or circumstances.
Speaking on his motion, Councillor Pollok said: “A Dumbarton constituent came to me recently expressing grave concerns regarding this motion.
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“He asked if I could bring an emergency motion to today’s council meeting. Eight prisoners associated with Palestine Action are on an indefinite hunger strike, six of them since October 2.
“They are entering the sixth week of their strike risking permanent health consequences and possibly death if steps are not taken to end it.
“They have been held in prison without trial for over a year for allegedly taking part and protesting against the Israeli offensive in Palestine.
“They have been allegedly mistreated in prison for their beliefs.
“This is the largest hunger strike in the UK since Irish Republicans in the 1980s. I would encourage everyone in the chamber today to support this motion.”
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Councillor Jonathan McColl added: “This isn’t some foreign land where human rights are lacking at best, this is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“It will be no surprise to anyone listening that I think the prescription of Palestine Action is utterly appalling but whether you do agree or not with this protest group being described as a terrorist organisation by our government.
“At the very least, we need to follow the rights prisoners should have in a UK prison and provide basic medical care which is something that should just happen.
“It is absolutely disgusting what is happening here and I appreciate Chris bringing the motion forward.”
The council now urges the Secretary of State to ensure constructive dialogue takes place with the aim of resolving grievances in a manner that upholds both the dignity of prisoners and the integrity of the justice system.
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