Skip navigation

Indymedia UK is a network of individuals, independent and alternative media activists and organisations, offering grassroots, non-corporate, non-commercial coverage of important social and political issues

From Dungavel to Death in Iraq: Remember Solyman Rashed

CH | 19.09.2007 19:09 | Anti-racism | Iraq | Migration

Solyman Rashed was killed in Iraq on 3rd September, two weeks after being deported. There will be a vigil to remember him in George Square, Glasgow, this Thursday from 5.30 to 6.30pm.
It is an open vigil and the organisers encourage anyone to attend.

he always tried to make us laugh and was a real support to other detainees, however I saw his physical and mental health deteriorate over time and he talked about having nightmares of dying if he returned to Iraq."

After 15 months in an immigration detention centre, having been arrested when he was homeless and destitute. After being refused bail around ten times. After his last bail application was refused in July, Solyman despaired of ever being released from detention and agreed to return "voluntarily".

Solyman travelled to Baghdad on the 15th August 2007, and travelled on to Kirkuk, his home town. He lived for only 2 weeks in freedom, before his life was ended by a road-side bomb.

Jerome Phelps of London Detainee Support Group said "Solyman told us that he was desperate to leave detention, and was having nightmares about dying. He knew how dangerous the situation is in Iraq, but felt that he was given no option other than to return."

A Dungavel visitor added:
"I spoke with him lots whilst he was in Dungavel and despite his awful situation he always managed to put a smile on my face. He tried so hard to stay strong and upbeat and most of the time he managed it, and I know that he was a tower of strength to some of the other detainees whilst in was at Dungavel. But he was a tortured man… a man that was trapped for no other reason than the fact that he was from an undesirable country according to our government. I know that many of us visited and thought very kindly of Solyman and I have to say I am very shaken and saddened by this news. But mostly I am angry as I'm sure many of you are. Why is this able to happen? But right now is not the time to write angry words, now is the time to think of Solyman and smile because that's always what I did whenever I saw and spoke with him. He was truly a good person and did not deserve this."

Vigil Thursday 20th September, 5:30 to 6:30pm in George Square, Glasgow
It is an open vigil and the organisers encourage anyone to attend.

CH
- Homepage: http://www.sdv.org.uk


Additions

Photo

20.09.2007 21:39

around 20 people gathered in George Square
around 20 people gathered in George Square

With the rain and the cold, Kirkuk and George Square couldn't seem more different but around 20 people gathered there to remember Solyman Rashed. Candles were lit, the rain stopped.

CH


Links

Server Appeal Radio Page Video Page Indymedia Cinema Offline Newsheet