Comment

When the state is complicit in hate

Racist violence in Europe is sustained by cultures of impunity, as reports by Amnesty International, and Médecins du Monde and the Greek Council for Refugees make clear. Two reports published last month document in harrowing detail the reality and impact of racist violence across Europe, as well as its intensification against a backdrop of economic

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News

Deaths in immigration detention: 1989-2017

Below we list all deaths that have taken place in immigration removal and short-term holding centres since 1989; we also list those who have died shortly after release from immigration detention. There have been thirty-four deaths in immigration removal centres since 1989; three women and the rest men. Harmondsworth detention centre accounts for nine deaths; five

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SYMAAG AGM

The AGM of the South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group, looking at the impact of the asylum and detention system on migrants’ health. Tuesday 13 May 2014, 7-9pm Quaker Meeting House, St. James Street, Sheffield S1 2EW Speakers include Medical experts Asylum seekers Related links SYMAAG Download a flyer for the event here

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Comment

Spotlight on racial violence: January – March 2014

An overview of acts of domestic terror against Muslims and racist attacks in the first three months of 2014. The ‘global war on terror’ has for some time now been over, according to leading politicians and some political commentators. Given that many of its hallmarks are still in operation, such a claim could easily be

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Comment

Majestic deportations?

A mentally ill Nigerian woman stands naked on the runway in Lagos and takes an overdose. She has just been deported from Britain. The Home Office calls this ‘Operation Majestic’.  The deportation of star pupil Yashika Bageerathi to Mauritius put Home Office practice in the spotlight. Now a new report by the prison inspector gives

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Comment

Another preventable death in immigration detention?

On Sunday 30 March, Christine Case a 40-year-old Jamaican woman died at Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre near Bedford. According to reports in the press[1], Christine Case was heard calling for help and had complained of chest pains shortly before she suffered a heart attack. The emergency services were called around 8am but she was

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Medical Justice training day

A one day course for medics who visit or assist immigration detainees. Saturday 29 March 2014 10.30am-5.30pm Garden Court Chambers, 57-60 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LJ RELATED LINKS Full details on the Medical Justice website

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Set her free: shine a light

A peaceful gathering to demand the release of refugee women and to shine a light on Yarl’s Wood and indefinite detention in the UK. Thursday 13 February 2014, 6pm Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF Bring torches, candles and bike lights. Speakers include: Meltem Avcil (ex-detainee and campaigner) Kate Smurthwaite (comedian and activist)

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Comment

Snail’s pace in deaths in custody investigations

As the file on the death of Habib Ullah in police custody in 2008 finally reaches the CPS, the intolerable delays in investigating deaths in custody are once more in the spotlight. This week, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) referred the case of Habib Ullah to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The IPCC’s initial

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Press Release

Investigated or ignored?

Today, the Institute of Race Relations publishes a report that shows serious deficiencies in the criminal justice system’s response to race-related killings. Since the publication of the Macpherson report in 1999, into the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, at least ninety-three people have lost their lives as a result of racially motivated attacks (or attacks

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