FRFI sends Kamran Ahmed and other prisoners our newspaper Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! and had written to him to see if it was getting past the prison censorship, and to talk about the protest outside Pentonville on 15 November, which was a massive display of solidarity with Kamran and all the hunger strikers but which also saw the tragic death of independent journalist, David Lear.
Letter from Kamran Ahmed, written 28 November, received 17 December
Sometimes the newspaper manages to sneak its way through the censor, even if it’s a month late ha-ha. I really appreciate it and seriously appreciate you and your team driving my hunger strike.
I remind myself that many hunger strikers go unnoticed on their journey, for us we are a small mechanism, a bolt or screw to a bigger machine which is you guys. Without you operating we’re useless (bi-idhillah – means with Allah’s permission in Arabic, I believe), honestly when I heard the voices I cried as that day I felt like really giving up the hunger strike as I experienced pushback that I can only remember experiencing in my protest days. So really, thank you.
When I heard David passed it was a shock, it really shows how life is precious. I pray that his family is getting the support, I hope that he’s receiving and continues to receive prayers and love insha Allah… if you manage to see his friends/family can you tell them that I send my regards, it’s a moment that plays in my head quite frequently, feels like I lost a friend though I never met him.
I went hospital and… I just came back and I’m enjoying my freedom from the hospital bed and wrist numbing cuffs I had to wear for 3 days non-stop. I’m going to catch some rest. It’s a weird feeling when you feel like your brain is moving faster than you can act, which is what’s happening from the buzz of being out of hospital.
And Insha Allah Sarah [of the SOAS 2] wins her trial!
Till next time, salaam. Kamran Ahmed
