On Thursday, voters in England will participate in the election of over 5,000 councillors in around 3,000 wards, with tens of thousands of candidates running. Among them is Amu Gib, an individual currently held in prison awaiting trial. Gib, known as prisoner number A1064FH, is standing as one of 17 candidates for the Islington Independents in the Finsbury Park ward in London. A former NHS patient transport driver and bike mechanic, Gib, aged 30, has been detained for almost ten months without trial at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey along with four other activists from Palestine Action.
Accused of vandalizing RAF air base property by spray-painting two RAF Voyager planes, the group dubbed the ‘Brize Norton 5’ is alleged to have caused £7 million in damages to aircraft they claim support Israeli military actions in Gaza. Gib, who prefers they/them pronouns, lacks internet access in prison and has limited phone privileges. Despite these restrictions, Gib expressed determination to serve the community, inspired by independent councillor Gary Donnelly’s model in Derry, Northern Ireland, which allows for representation even while incarcerated.
Gib shared that their resolve has been strengthened by the experience of imprisonment, emphasizing the injustices witnessed within the prison system. After a 48-day hunger strike demanding the cessation of operations by Israel-based defense company Elbit Systems in the UK, Gib was hospitalized and is now slowly recovering. However, their co-defendant Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old hunger-striker, is facing serious health issues due to organ failure. Campaigners, including notable figures like Sally Rooney and Greta Thunberg, are advocating for Gib’s release.
The legal process has been prolonged due to terrorism-related allegations against the group under the proscription of Palestine Action. Gib, pleading not guilty to charges, faces a potential 14-year jail term for offenses related to property destruction and trespassing. Despite the challenges faced in detention, Gib remains focused on advocating for causes such as environmental protection and justice for Palestine.
As the election approaches, residents of Finsbury Park ward will soon determine whether Amu Gib will make history as the first English politician elected from prison. Gib’s commitment to activism and community service continues to resonate with supporters and campaigners calling for their release.