A man seeking independence for Shetland and Orkney has claimed to have gone on hunger strike in jail – saying he is a “political prisoner”.
Stuart Hill, from Shetland, was sentenced to two months imprisonment for contempt of court last month after refusing to delete recordings he made during an appearance at Kirkwall Sheriff Court.
In a letter to the Press and Journal, Hill said he has taken no food or liquid since being jailed on February 20, “in protest over his treatment”.
The 77-year-old stood as a candidate for Orkney and Shetland in the 2017 general election, but later faced a charge of failing to declare his expenses.
During an ongoing trial at Kirkwall Sheriff Court, the sheriff asked Hill to delete recordings he had made of the proceedings from his Blackberry phone.
He refused and was subsequently found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to two months in prison, and the forfeit of his recording device.
Hill’s trial, relating to his election expenses, is due to continue tomorrow.
In his letter to the P&J, Hill claims he has “proof” that Orkney and Shetland are outwith the control of government, adding this was the reason he decided to go on hunger strike.
He added: “Plainly and simply put I am a political prisoner.”
