'In February last year she was involved in a disturbance at Yarl's Wood' said the Judge 'that was the reason she was moved to Holloway'.

Sheree's supporters condemned this politicial judgement. The bail hearing was supposed to establish whether Sheree was at risk of absconding, or of reoffending. No charges have ever been brought against any of the women moved from Yarl's Wood during the hunger strike. No independent investigation has ever established what happened.

The Judge's remarks were entirely based upon information from managers at the detention centre. 'They shouldn't have brought it up' said Andrea, Sheree's sister, 'It has nothing to do with the reason we were in court today'

The Judge's remarks clearly show that Sheree is being punished for trying to speak out about Yarl's Wood, and the immigration system that put her there. In February 2010, refugees and migrants held at the Yarl's Wood immigration prison organised a hunger strike, demanding an end to indefinite imprisonment and abuse. The protest lasted five weeks, despite violent attacks by Serco's private security guards, who manage the detention centre. Their action was ‘for everyone in detention.’

Over 70 women of colour participated in the hunger strike which forced the authorities to release many of them. In retribution, several people involved in the hunger strike were singled out and moved to prisons. The effect of this is also to intimidate other detainees from speaking out about their experience of the immigration system. 

Two women of colour targeted in this way are still behind bars: Sheree Wilson and Aminata Camara. They are being held without charge and a court order. They have been away from their families, friends and communities for far too long. Today supporters said that the campaign to free Sheree would continue.

Andrea said 'Sheree's a valid part of our family. We want her to come out of prison, to have independence and her freedom'. Sheree will have a High Court case in Birmingham on Wednesday 10th February. Joy, Sheree's mum, said 'I'm hoping and praying that they give her a chance to come out, because in there she's suffering. I can't sleep at night thinking about Sheree in there'

Denise McNeil, who was also moved from Yarl's Wood during the hunger strike and who last week was granted bail said 'We're going to keep campaigning for Sheree and Aminata and all the people in Yarl's Wood until it's closed'

Supporters sat in the court yesterday to show solidarity with Sheree. Several groups were represented including Million Women Rise, No One Is Illegal, Free Mumia, Communities of Resistance and the Stop Deportation Network.

Stay in touch with the campaign:  freedenisenow@gmail.com
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