The OXFORD SIX are Western Saharan students who were on their way to attend EU Youth in Action workshop from 5th – 18th August in St Edward’s School, Oxford. They were prevented from boarding their plane to London in Agadir and following a protest they were arrested and beaten by police. Thanks to swift action by campaigners including Amnesty International they were released.

However, although released from Moroccan prison the Oxford Six students are still facing very real danger and two have experienced an horrific ordeal at the hands of the police. On 27th August Ms Nguia Haouassi (19) was picked up in a car by police, beaten, stripped naked and theatened with rape in a 5 hour ordeal. On Thursday Mr Razouk Choummad (20) was also abducted and tortured for five hours by police.

Campaigners will be lighting 6 floating candles and setting them off along the canal at Camden Lock in a symbollic gesture of solidarity with the Oxford Six and a recognition that our government (that arranged their visit to the UK) has a responsibility to ensure their safety.

From 7pm until 11pm there will be music and filmscreenings in the Inspiral Lounge, 250 Camden High Street. The event DESERTED, hosted by George Ellis and the arts and human rights charity Sandblast is a multimedia art event combining film screenings, photo exhibitions, and presentations.