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Brutality towards asylum seekers

Cambridge IMC | 20.12.2004 21:03 | Migration | Repression | Cambridge

UPDATE (17th January): Indian family released after 73 days.

At Oakington asylum seeker detention centre, near Cambridge, an Indian couple with a two year old child have been imprisoned for 54 days, and have been refused bail. The child has been ill, but because he is in detention has not been allowed to see a paediatrician. The family have been told that deportation is imminent. By the time they leave, they may have been imprisoned for 77 days. See [full report] [press release] [local press].

A recent Cambridge feature described how Lina Castanos, and her 8 year old son, Miguel were violently taken from their home at night, to be held first at Gatwick, and then at Oakington. While at Oakington, Miguel was refused a doctor for at least 24 hours when he became ill (Read more on Lina and Miguel's stay in prison).

The Castanos family face fear and uncertainty, as to whether they will be deported to Columbia. While at Oakington, they thought deportation would occur soon, however they have now been told they can appeal. Despite the fact that several close family members have been killed by Columbian paramilitary authorities, they are left uncertain as to whether they can remain in the UK.

Links:
Cambridge [1] [2] [3] [4]
Bristol [1] [2]

Private Prison Contractor
Private Prison Contractor


Under the Labour government asylum seekers have faced increasingly brutal treatment. This year, the government decided to ban HIV drugs to asylum seekers suffering from AIDS, including pregnant women. There have been reports of people being beaten in custody, and being deported to places where they will be in severe danger, such as the Congo. Asylum seekers have even been deported to Iraq, despite the disasterous role the UK government has played in making it unsafe for the population.

In Sheffield there has been a campaign to keep Iraqi asylum seeker Naseh Ghafor in the UK: if he returns to Iraq it is likely that he will be killed.

Cambridge IMC

Comments

Display the following 3 comments

  1. Corporate media coverage... — Poon
  2. Child torture in OZ too — Marilyn Shepherd
  3. TCAR - Saturday, 19th May 2007 - National Day of Action — Citizen Sputnik