Mother's Anguish as Son's Hunger Strike Reaches Critical Stage
The mother of a pro-Palestinian hunger striker has spoken of her helplessness and despair after medical professionals warned her son could be just days from death. Umer Khalid, 22, has been refusing food for seventeen days in protest against his treatment in prison, where he faces charges related to alleged involvement in a break-in at RAF Brize Norton.
Escalation to Thirst Strike Raises Alarm
The situation became dramatically more serious when Khalid escalated his protest by refusing water on Friday, a move that doctors say puts his life at immediate risk. His mother, Shabana Khalid, 43, from Manchester, described the situation as "an absolute nightmare" and revealed she hasn't been able to speak directly with her son since Saturday.
"I cannot sleep. I feel helpless," Shabana told Metro. "Not being able to speak to him and have that reassurance that he is ok is the worst."
Medical experts have warned that without fluid intake, people can typically survive only three to four days, making Khalid's situation particularly precarious given his existing health condition.
Underlying Health Condition Increases Danger
Khalid suffers from limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that makes him especially vulnerable during prolonged fasting. The condition requires a healthy diet with plenty of protein, according to his mother, making his current protest even more dangerous.
Dr Qureshi, research director at CAGE International, expressed grave concern about Khalid's condition: "On thirst strike, your body can only take three or four days max. And he's already been on hunger strike for two weeks. We're just extremely worried that death is around the corner."
Prison Transfer and Hospital Visit
Khalid was taken to hospital from HMP Wormwood Scrubs on Sunday morning before being returned to the prison later the same day. His mother believes this transfer occurred around 11am, though she hasn't received direct confirmation from her son.
The activist reportedly began his thirst strike earlier than planned after prison staff moved him to a segregated section of the facility. When Dr Qureshi last spoke with Khalid on Friday, the young man described "things were a struggle" due to extreme tiredness.
Background of the Protest
Khalid began his hunger strike in November alongside seven other prisoners protesting their treatment while in custody over alleged roles in Palestine Action break-ins. While the other protesters have since ended their action, Khalid continued his strike after only a brief pause during Christmas when he became unwell.
The situation has attracted significant attention, with protesters clashing with police outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs on Saturday night. Eighty-six individuals were detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass after allegedly breaching prison grounds.
Medical Perspective on Hunger Strikes
Ian Miller, a historian of hunger strikes in British prisons, outlined the typical physiological progression:
- Days One to Seven: Decreasing heart rate, physical wasting, and weight loss as the body consumes fat reserves
- Days Eight to Fourteen: Body begins using glycogen stores, ammonia production creates distinctive smell, weight loss slows, and heart mass decreases
- Days Fifteen Onwards: Increased tendency to collapse, becoming bedbound, worsening physical and psychological health, and severely disturbed sleep
- Beyond Seventy Days: With no medical intervention or food, survival becomes extremely unlikely
International Concern and Official Response
Amnesty International has raised serious concerns about Khalid's condition, with Chief Executive Kerry Moscogiuri stating: "Umer Khalid is in a desperate situation and we urge representatives of the Government to meet with his lawyers this weekend before it is too late."
The human rights organization has long opposed what it describes as the misuse of terrorism powers leading to lengthy and disproportionate detention conditions.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson responded: "Reports of fluid refusal are extremely concerning and the dangers of this are explained to prisoners by healthcare experts. Prisoners are being managed in line with longstanding policy."
The spokesperson added that this includes regular medical checks, heart monitoring, blood tests, and support to help prisoners resume eating and drinking, with hospital transfers occurring when deemed appropriate by healthcare teams.
As the situation continues to develop, Khalid's mother remains in Manchester, anxiously awaiting news about her son's condition while medical professionals warn that time is running out for the young activist.
