What happens if you go on hunger strike in prison?

Most hunger strikers will take liquids but not solid food. In cases where an entity (usually the state) has or is able to obtain custody of the hunger striker (such as a prisoner), the hunger strike is often terminated by the custodial entity through the use of force-feeding.

Is force-feeding legal?

Force-feeding, as regulated under the so called “Law to Prevent Harm Caused by Hunger Strikers” amounts to torture, which is prohibited by the International Human Rights Law.

Can a feeding tube be forced?

Cases that involve force-feeding of people with anorexia through a nasal or stomach tube often get the most news attention. This type of treatment, though, falls at one extreme of a spectrum, from persuasion by family members or healthcare professionals to involuntary, legal action.

What is prisoners’ hunger strike?

Prisoners’ hunger strike has been conducted for years in many parts of the world aimed to reach certain goals, solidarity, political struggle and to express opinions. States have the responsibilities to maintain prison security while at the same time preserving the health and well-being of prisoners on hunger strike.

How long does it take to die from hunger strike?

If the individual is well nourished when the hunger strike starts, then the risk of death from malnutrition occurs about six to eight weeks after starting a complete fast. If the individual is refusing both fluids and food, then deterioration is expected rapidly, with risk of death as early as seven to fourteen days.

Should doctors be allowed to participate in hunger strikes?

The declaration essentially forbids any medical participation whatsoever in any form of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. It also states that doctors should not participate in the force-feeding of prisoners. It has already been said that hunger strikes do not just involve people in custody.

Did any suffragettes die in prison while on hunger strike?

There were no cases of a Suffragette dying in prison while on hunger strike. However, hunger striking was often deeply damaging and always carried the risk of serious injury. Elsie Howey served several terms of imprisonment with hunger strike.