This week the Brize Norton 5 became the Brize Norton 6 as Lara Downes was remanded to Bronzefield accused of connection to paint on planes at the RAF base. Solidarity with Lara. We share this news just days after sharing the news that Lewie was charged for Filton, becoming the 25th defendent.
Property will never be more important than the defence of life. Free all the prisoners and Free Palestine and all people suffering under the oppression of UK US Israeli imperialism
On May 1st, Lewie, Amu, Jon and Dan were refused bail only days after Umer’s medical bail application was also refused. The Brize Norton 5 face 18 months of imprisonment before their trial is scheduled in January 2027. We are disappointed but not surprised at the lengths the UK government will go to supress support of direct action to stop the genocide of Palestinians.
The mobilisation outside the Old Bailey showed the state and its functionaries that we are many, and that we believe we will win – thank you to all that came and showed their support. Part of the mobilisation was the performance of The Giant and The Sling, performed by Moi Ko. The street theatre puppet show highlighted the depths of British military involvement in the genocide in Palestine, and the power of direct action.
We will continue to campaign for the BN5 and all prisoners, including Palestinians in Israeli detention, and we will not stop seeking to expose the participation of the RAF in imperialism, war crimes, and genocide.
I am [calling/emailing] regarding Umer Khalid (prisoner number A4415FH) as I am concerned about the deterioration of his health since the beginning of his incarceration at Wormwood Scrubs. The prison must immediately provide Umer with:
- a wheelchair that is usable within his cell and the prison
- a neurology appointment
Wormwood Scrubs is gravely failing in its duty of care. Umer has lost the ability to walk and is in constant excruciating pain due to the prison’s medical neglect. Umer’s medical condition (muscular dystrophy) must be appropriately supported by the prison, as is required in the law.
After 10 months of incarceration and medical neglect by HMP Wormwood Scrubs, Umer has lost the ability to walk.
Not only are prison staff refusing to provide Umer with a wheelchair, they are now refusing to provide him with painkillers, leaving him in agony and unable to move unless he drags himself on the floor. The prison is effectively denying Umer access to fresh air, showers, visits and medical appointments.
Umer has a condition called muscular dystrophy that requires proper mobility and nutrition, as well as specialist care, all of which the prison have failed to provide. He has now been waiting for a neurology appointment for 12 weeks, whilst he can see his body deteriorating day by day. As of last week, Umer has been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath.
Umer’s bail application on medical grounds was denied on April 21st, as the judge rules that HMP Wormwood Scrubs can manage Umer’s condition. In law, prisons are responsible for safeguarding prisoners’ health. In practice, prisons routinely deny prisoners access to healthcare, and facilitate the deterioration of prisoners’ bodies and minds.
We must keep the pressure up on HMP Wormwood Scrubs to implement its duty of care and provide Umer with appropriate healthcare
After being denied bail previously, and being imprisoned without trial for over 10 months, some of the Brize Norton 5 have another bail hearing 9:30 AM on the 1st of May, at the Old Bailey.
Community support means a lot to our comrades, and has the potential to influence legal decisions. Bring flags, friends and your voices to support the Brize Norton 5!
Bronzefield staff have continuously and arbitrarily infringed on Amu’s rights since the beginning of their detention on remand in July 2025, through withholding their post and belongings, and even banning 2 of their closes loved ones from visits.
This week, Amu has been handed a whole shoebox of incoming post and a whole bag of outcoming post prison staff have been withholding. Some from over 4 months ago, including Christmas cards, letters to and from Heba, and children, as well as letters related to their helthcare, their legal case and their councillor campaign.
On top of this, Bronzefield staff places Amu in solidary confinement a few months ago, and lost/confiscated some of their clothes and belongings during that process. To this day, Bronzefield staff are refusing to provide Amu with a valid log number, which means Amu is unable to receive clothes, books, CDs, etc.
On top of this, Bronzefield staff places Amu in solidary confinement a few months ago, and lost/confiscated some of their clothes and belongings during that process. To this day, Bronzefield staff are refusing to provide Amu with a valid log number, which means Amu is unable to receive clothes, books, CDs, etc.
For months now, Amu has only had 1 change of clothes.
