On Thursday, voters in England are set to choose from over 5,000 candidates vying for around 3,000 council seats. Among these candidates is Amu Gib, who is currently in prison awaiting trial. Gib, also known as prisoner number A1064FH, is running as one of 17 candidates representing the Islington Independents in Finsbury Park ward, London. Gib, a 30-year-old former NHS patient transport driver and bike mechanic, has been detained at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey for almost ten months alongside four other activists from Palestine Action.
Accused of breaking into an RAF air base and vandalizing two RAF Voyager planes, Gib and their co-accused, known as the ‘Brize Norton 5’, are alleged to have caused significant damage to aircraft reportedly used in supporting Israeli military actions in Gaza. Despite facing limitations on internet access and phone usage in prison, Gib remains resolute in their bid for council representation, drawing inspiration from independent councillor Gary Donnelly’s model in Derry, Northern Ireland.
Gib, who prefers they/them pronouns, expressed how their resolve has strengthened during their imprisonment, highlighting the injustices faced by marginalized communities due to societal issues like the cost-of-living crisis and skewed government spending priorities. Recently concluding a 48-day hunger strike to protest against the presence of Elbit Systems in the UK, Gib’s health deteriorated, requiring hospitalization. While still facing restrictions in prison, Gib emphasized their commitment to activism and social change.
Campaigners, including notable figures like Sally Rooney and Greta Thunberg, have called for Gib’s release, arguing that their continued detention impedes their democratic rights. The prosecution has justified the extended pre-trial custody of the Brize Norton 5 on terrorism-related grounds, drawing criticism from human rights organizations like Amnesty International UK.
Despite the challenges faced in prison, Gib remains focused on their goals, reflecting on their fears and aspirations for a better future. The residents of Finsbury Park ward will make the final decision on whether Amu Gib will make history as the first English politician to be elected while behind bars.
