Monday 17th December - Campsfield IRC another disturbance in progress
Bob Hughes | 17.12.2007 07:28 | Migration | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements
I have just had a call (5:37 am) from a detainee in Blue Block at Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), Kidlington, Oxford, describing a disturbance developing there AT THIS MOMENT.
Message from Bob Hughes - Campaign to Close Campsfield
Message 2
Another detainee, "Kevin", has called to say that Blue Wing is now devastated: water everywhere, lights and CCTV smashed, guards nowhere in sight, and blue lights either of emergency services or riot squads arriving outside the centre.
He heard the alleged assault that triggered the disturbance. He says that guards entered the wing earlier this morning and, unusually, locked all the cell doors before entering that of the man they removed - an african.
He could hear sounds of an assault; he heard the man screaming, including words to the effect "they are murdering me". The man's two room-mates witnessed the assault and say that about 25 officers were involved, in riot gear, and the man was savagely punched and kicked.
** It is important that these witnesses' details and whereabouts be established. All too often, detainees who witnessed alleged assaults are removed to different detention centres, or removed from the country, before any investigation can take place.**
This follows a number of allegations of assaults by guards, received from detainees in the past 2 weeks, and currently being investigated by Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID) and Medical Justice.
"Kevin" is willing to be interviewed and can be called on 077 6824 2051
Bob Hughes
- for the Campaign to Close Campsfield
Message 1
This is a message I sent out to the media about half an hour ago:
I have just had a call (5:37 am) from a detainee in Blue Block at Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), Kidlington, Oxford, describing a disturbance developing there AT THIS MOMENT.
Amid loud shouting I could make out that guards attempted forcibly to remove a man from his cell a little earlier this morning and, it is alleged, beat him severely. The word "murder" was used repeatedly - I think in reference to what the guards were doing. 20 officers in riot gear came to remove the man, who has a wife and family in this country.
A CCTV camera and lights have been smashed. There is talk of "breaking the place up".
Bob Hughes
Campaign to Close Campsfield
Message 2
Another detainee, "Kevin", has called to say that Blue Wing is now devastated: water everywhere, lights and CCTV smashed, guards nowhere in sight, and blue lights either of emergency services or riot squads arriving outside the centre.
He heard the alleged assault that triggered the disturbance. He says that guards entered the wing earlier this morning and, unusually, locked all the cell doors before entering that of the man they removed - an african.
He could hear sounds of an assault; he heard the man screaming, including words to the effect "they are murdering me". The man's two room-mates witnessed the assault and say that about 25 officers were involved, in riot gear, and the man was savagely punched and kicked.
** It is important that these witnesses' details and whereabouts be established. All too often, detainees who witnessed alleged assaults are removed to different detention centres, or removed from the country, before any investigation can take place.**
This follows a number of allegations of assaults by guards, received from detainees in the past 2 weeks, and currently being investigated by Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID) and Medical Justice.
"Kevin" is willing to be interviewed and can be called on 077 6824 2051
Bob Hughes
- for the Campaign to Close Campsfield
Message 1
This is a message I sent out to the media about half an hour ago:
I have just had a call (5:37 am) from a detainee in Blue Block at Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), Kidlington, Oxford, describing a disturbance developing there AT THIS MOMENT.
Amid loud shouting I could make out that guards attempted forcibly to remove a man from his cell a little earlier this morning and, it is alleged, beat him severely. The word "murder" was used repeatedly - I think in reference to what the guards were doing. 20 officers in riot gear came to remove the man, who has a wife and family in this country.
A CCTV camera and lights have been smashed. There is talk of "breaking the place up".
Bob Hughes
Campaign to Close Campsfield
Bob Hughes
e-mail:
bob@dustormagic.net
Homepage:
http://www.closecampsfield.org.uk/
Comments
Hide the following 4 comments
Solidarity with the detainees!!!
17.12.2007 13:03
Fight Racism!
challenge racist feedback!
17.12.2007 13:53
Miriam
Whilst I may be preaching to the converted, can I just explain the circumstances
17.12.2007 14:17
If we, who dare to call ourselves a "civilised" nation, can offer nothing except draconian measures, brutalisation and as the reports from the centre describe, excessive violence against a world full of people we have oppressed to our own advantage for centuries, then I think a few burnt blankets and blocked loos is a small price for us to pay. Whilst I deplore any violence that may have occurred on either side, well done to the detainees for maintaining their human spirit of survival and justice for so long under such circumstances
Jangles
thanks, bob
17.12.2007 16:12
another bob