A Nottingham HIV/AIDS prevention worker whose anti-deportation campaign was featured in IRR News in November 2007 has had a last-minute reprieve.
In a statement issued this week, Amdani Juma’s solicitor said that his removal had been postponed to give both sides time for further consideration. Hani Zebeidi said he hoped reason would prevail in the case and stated that, as a last resort, legal action would be considered.
Earlier this week, with less than thrity-six hours before Amdani’s scheduled removal to Burundi, the Home Office postponed his deportation by six days.
Letters are still being sent to the Home Office by national and community organisations in support of Amdani and, so far, 2,200 people have signed the petition.
Hani Zubeidi said: ‘The UNHCR is also investigating the case and we hope that reason prevails and the Minister for Immigration is able to exercise his discretion in allowing Amdani to stay – he is a true asset to the community and the country. As a last resort, we will be considering legal action should the Home Office fail to exercise their lawful discretion in this matter.’
The Home Office has still not commented on the case.
Amdani Juma was detained by the immigration authorities on 30 May and is still being detained in Campsfield Detention Centre. In 2003, he was granted humanitarian protection for three years but his later application for indefinite leave to remain was turned down. His campaign has been supported by Alan Simpson MP and Nottingham council leader Jon Collins. Two rallies have been held in Nottingham since his detention.
Related links
Petition in support of Amdani Juma
IRR News story: The friends of Amdani Juma