This is not a speech, it’s some thoughts. As I battle myself in chess I actually wonder whether the movement for Palestinian liberation is at a stalemate.
With the ceasefire supposedly holding, I question whether it means if I should silently see my time through prison? But would that mean that I agree that anyone who opposes the government when they are wrong, should not only be imprisoned, but subject to an unfair trial?
And if some of my comrades positions be further stripped, not in the clothing sense, although that happened to one*, but stripped of what basic prisoner rights we have, does that mean that in the future an alleged protestor should be held in remand in the same breath as the Manchester bomber? If so, then I refuse to set the precedence with my silence.
On the 10th November, I plan to commence my hunger strike, insha’Allah, in line with the demands sent to the home office but also in solidarity with those who are having a harder time on remand than me, as it fills me with a sense of guilt, due to my time being relatively peaceful compared to others, alhamdulilah.
I remind myself that many Palestinians sit in Israeli jails unlawfully detained, namely Siham Abu Salem, a 71 year old woman ripped from her hospital bed and declared an unlawful combatant (Recently released after a 2 year detention).
You are not forgotten, along with all the other political prisoners who are voices for the oppressed.
I hope my hunger strike acts as a symbol for people in the future so they remain undeterred to stand up for what’s right.
I finish with, I hope they do not silence our voices, like I feel we are being silenced in court.
Perhaps for the government committing the genocide is one big chess game but it is only their game when we refuse to play.