Please can you act now to support our friend Leila and her family

On Friday morning 16th January, Leila Montakhabi, Soorena Jowkar and their son Danoushm was taken from their home in Halifax at 06:15. The family were taken to Waterside Reporting Centre in Leeds and then to Yarl's Wood IRC. The family were due to be deported on Tuesday 20th at 15:15 but after intercession by their Halifax MP and by their solicitor the deportation was stayed. They were then rescheduled to fly the following Saturday, but no-one came for them - or told them that the flight had been cancelled.

Leila has been suffering from severe depression and a psychologist's report tells of frequent self-harm attempts and makes it clear that they believe that her fear of  the danger of death by stoning is the root cause. She has not eaten while at Yarl's Wood and is now just 'skin and bones' (visitors have seen this).

Leila applied for asylum in August 2008 when she had a 'phone call from her mother saying that she must not return to Iran because her brother and father mean to kill her if she does. She is also fearful of persecution because of an arrest warrant from the Iranian government which she received. Her asylum application has been refused, she submitted fresh evidence of subjective and objective fear of persecution but this has also been turned down.

Leila's son Danoushm has had three operations for cleft palate and was hospitalised in December because of severe respiratory problems. He is responding very badly to detention at Yarl's Wood.

Since their asylum claim, the family have settled in Halifax and Soorena has become an active member of the community, taking part in a samba band, which is designed to integrate asylum seekers and also a badminton club. Soorena attends Tuesday evening English classes.

What you can do to help:

1) Please send urgent faxes to Nigel Turner, Chief Executive Officer BMI Airways, asking that BMI should not facilitate Home Office enforcement policies, using the attached "model letter" (LeilaMontakhabiBMI.doc) you can copy/amend/write your own version, if you do so, please remember to include the following details:  Leila Montakhabi, Soorena Jowkar and their son Danoushm due to be forcibly removed form the UK to Iran on BMI flight DB931 direct to Tehran/Iran tomorrow Thursday 5th February at 17:15.

Fax: Fax:: 01709 314993 from outside the UK: + 44 1709 314993

Leave a complaint/concern
BMI Customer Relations: At BMI we are committed to our customers and value your feedback. You can leave a complaint/concern @
 http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/planning-and-information/customer-service/customer-relations.aspx

Ring BMI Head Office and ask to speak to the CEO, Nigel Turner (Tel: 01332 854000). You probably won't be able to speak to him personally, but you should be able to leave a message, at least to say that you have sent a fax.

2) Please send urgent faxes immediately to Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith, Secretary of State for the Home Office asking that Leila Montakhabi, Soorena Jowkar and their son Danoushm be granted protection in the UK. Please use the attached "model letter" (LeilaMontakhabiJS.doc) which you can copy/amend/write your own version (if you do so, please remember to include his HO ref: M1373756.

Email addresses:
 Privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
 UKBApublicenquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk
"CIT - Treat Official"  CITTO@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>

Fax Number: 020 8760 3132

Please let supporters know of any emails/faxes sent:

Phil Townend

Kind Regards
Kate Fawcett
Community Support Development Worker
St. Augustine's Centre
Hanson Lane
Halifax
HX1 5PG
01422 342719
 kate.fawcett@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk

End of Bulletin:

Source for this Message:
Friends of Leila, Soorena and Danoushm