The Metropolitan Police detained 86 protesters outside London’s Wormwood Scrubs prison after they entered the premises in support of Umer Khalid. An activist from the Palestine Action group is on hunger strike, raising concerns for his health.
The Metropolitan Police in London detained 86 people who took part in a protest outside Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London. Demonstrators expressed support for Umer Khalid, an activist from the banned pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, who is in custody. According to the police, the protesters trespassed into the prison premises, prevented employees from entering and leaving, and some of them threatened the police.
Several persons reached the premises intended for prison employees, which led to their detention on suspicion of trespassing. On Sunday, the police reported on the X social network that they had arrested a total of 86 demonstrators. Footage posted on social media shows a group of people with placards moving towards the prison building, with some of them breaking into its premises.
Tension in front of the prison
The Ministry of Justice described the incident as “deeply disturbing”. The protest was organized in support of Umer Khalid, who is one of five activists accused of breaking into Brize Norton Air Force Base in June 2025. Khalid, who is the latest participant in the hunger strike, denies the charges and has been on hunger strike since November, having stopped drinking water.
According to Prisoners for Palestine, Khalid suffers from a genetic disease that greatly complicates his health. Doctor Rupa Marya warned that if Khalid continued his hunger strike, he could die within days. According to her, his health condition increases the risk of fatal consequences.
Health risks of the activist
Sky News reported that 22-year-old Khalid denies any accusations against him. His hunger strike, which has been going on for several months, is causing concern not only among his supporters but also among health care professionals. Khalid’s case has become a symbol of protests for Palestinian rights, but it also draws attention to the risks of extreme forms of resistance.
