Tamil Hunger Strike Continues Opposite Parliament

Prarameswaran Subramaniam, a 28 year old Tamil Sri Lankan, continues his hunger strike in Parliament Square, central London, as Tamils demand the British government intervene in the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka.

Mr Subramaniam, who began his hunger strike on 7 April, has vowed to continue until his “last breath” unless an end is brought to the alleged genocide carried out by the Sri Lankan government on the Tamil people. Surrounded by friends and kept warm with a duvet in a makeshift tent, Mr Subramaniam barely managed to open his eyes a couple of times as food depravation leaves his body increasingly weak and exhausted. Yet in those brief moments of interested lucidness there was a glimpse of fierce pride and determination in his eyes.

The fine spring weather also brought out many Tamil supporters who all demanded that the media in Britain report on their plight. Despite the attendance of families and high spirits, there was a heavy police presence around the square.