A family and their supporters will gather outside High Wycombe police station this weekend to remember a loved one who died after an altercation with the police. Saturday will mark two years since the death of Habib ‘Paps’ Ullah in High Wycombe after being arrested and restrained by up to six police officers. Habib’s family
Fighting ghosts: an interview with Husein Al-Samamara
Below we publish an interview with Husein Al-Samamara, currently subjected to draconian immigration bail conditions in the UK as he fights against his deportation to Jordan, where he was imprisoned and tortured. Husein Al-Samamara was interviewed by Frances Webber in October 2009, but legal issues prevented publication. He recently decided to ‘go public’ about his
Control orders challenged
In an important ruling for people under control orders, the Supreme Court has recognised that separation from family members can turn internal exile into the equivalent of a prison sentence. On 16 June 2010, the Supreme Court, sitting with seven judges, issued a significant ruling for the rights of people subjected to control orders under
Child detention review: the challenge for NGOs
How should the voluntary sector respond to the government’s review of children’s detention? The review (the terms of which were published on 10 June, allowing consultation till 1 July) will examine the way the UK Border Agency (UKBA) deals with asylum applications from families, including contact arrangements and access to legal representation; current arrangements for
Asylum health project expands provision
The free healthcare advocacy programme, Project: London, is to open its doors one Saturday of every month to accommodate the rising numbers of users. Run by the charity Doctors of the World UK, Project: London has been working since 2006 with the aim of helping the most vulnerable get access to medical treatment and advice.
Freedom – but not for all
The government’s much vaunted freedom agenda entrenches a two-tier system of rights, with migrants and other unpopular minorities largely excluded. On 25 May 2010, the Queen’s speech promised: ‘Legislation will be brought forward to restore freedoms and civil liberties, through the abolition of Identity Cards and repeal of unnecessary laws.’ The following day, 26 May
Acclaimed photographer barred
Yusuf Sayman, a Turkish photojournalist based in New York, was refused a visa to attend his multimedia exhibition at Kings College London for the launch of the International State Crime Initiative (ISCI) on 14 June. The exhibition was specially commissioned by ISCI, and Sayman travelled to Turkey and Iraq in spring 2010 to photograph and
Migreurop at the Istanbul crossroads
Author, Matt Carr, describes a recent conference to coordinate pan-European campaigning on migration and detention. On 27-29 May more than sixty researchers, human rights activists and NGO representatives attended an international meeting of the Migreurop network at Istanbul’s Mimar Sinan Fina Arts University to share experiences of local campaigns and initiatives and coordinate future strategies
Prison system treats Muslims as potential extremists
The security-led approach by prison authorities towards Muslim prisoners has led to victimisation and a disproportionate use of segregation and restraint, according to a new report. The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dame Anne Owers, says blanket treatment of the Muslim prison population has focused largely on efforts to limit the spread of radicalisation and violent
New government seeks to bully judges
Those expecting a new spirit of fairness and social liberalism to engulf the UK Border Agency (UKBA) following the insertion of the LibDems into government are perhaps beginning to realise the folly of their hopes in the light of recent news. The uncertain ‘good news’ that the detention of children is to be ended, at