The 1981 Hunger Strike

After a 1980 hunger strike ended without a durable resolution, Sands began a new fast on March 1, 1981. Other prisoners joined at intervals, pressing demands concerning clothing, prison work, association, visits, and sentence remission.

Sands died on May 5 after sixty-six days without food, and nine more prisoners later died before the strike ended. The deaths intensified public attention but did not immediately secure formal recognition of political status.