Gareth Thomas MP’s office in West Harrow has been vandalised with red graffiti referencing an alleged hunger strike involving prisoners linked to Palestine Action. “SUPPORT THE HUNGER STRIKE” and several names were sprayed across the windows. Police are investigating.
Online posts shared by campaigners claim the hunger strike has been running across four English prisons since early November. One post states: “Six prisoners – Qesser, Amu, Heba, Jon, Teuta, Kamran, have been on a hunger strike for 34 days. 2 have been hospitalised.” Another claims the situation is reaching “a critical point”.
A call-to-action circulating on social media urges supporters to raise concerns, saying: “MOJ is putting the prisoners’ lives in danger every day it remains silent and ignores the demands.” Supporters also list demands including immediate bail, ending censorship of communication, the right to a fair trial, dropping “terror” charges and shutting down Elbit Systems.
Gareth Thomas MP told Harrow Online, “My door is always open to residents, and I welcome conversation on any issue – nothing is too difficult to discuss. It’s disappointing that dialogue wasn’t chosen in this instance. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with their support and thank you to police who have started investigating.”
A spokesperson for Met Police said, “Officers from the North West Command Unit are investigating an incident of criminal damage in Harrow.
“Police received a report on Sunday, 7 December that graffiti had been sprayed on a building in Blenheim Road.
“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing. There has been no arrest.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting CAD4549/07DEC.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
