Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/478/2182
From The Socialist newspaper, 15 March 2007
Kurdish asylum seekers living in fear
THE DAYS of worrying, of not feeling safe and secure, are starting again. News of Kurdish asylum seekers being arrested in their houses, workplaces and on the streets is spreading in Hull's Kurdish community.
Rozh Pavilov
In January 2005, the Kurdish government in north Iraq signed an agreement with the British government, saying that the region is safe. So, those Kurdish asylum seekers whose cases were rejected by the Home Office will be deported back there.
Kurdish people are now being arrested - some will return to north Iraq. On 12 February a military plane deported 45 Kurdish asylum seekers.
Back in Iraq, the government has arrested members of the Iraqi refugee federation who tried to interview those deported asylum seekers.
These people left their country because of oppression for their political beliefs or their nationality but they will be deported to live under the same situation.
I interviewed Hassan Ahmad, an Iraqi Kurd playwright, theatre director and member of the Workers' Communist Party of Iraq who came to Hull in 2000. He has been threatened by right-wing Islamic groups who claimed that his famous play, Bread and Crime, abuses religion.
His life was at risk so he came to live in England, where his case was rejected by the Home Office in 2004. He told me: "Several times I was arrested while directing my plays. I was threatened by Islamic groups in the theatre. So I had to leave to survive. Now if this government deports me, who knows what I will face?
"All the doors are locked. Nobody knows who carries the keys, life has lost its meaning."
The immigration police are watching Kurdish asylum seekers in Hull. Some have been arrested whilst signing up at the police stations. But what about those who are against the current Kurdish government and have been forced to live in exile to save their own life, such as Hassan Ahmad?
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 15 March 2007:
£billions for rich... Pennies for us!
Socialist Party NHS campaign
UNISON Health group votes for summer demo
Socialist Party news and analysis
Lambeth council attacks services for vulnerable people
Barking BNP don't oppose council cuts
Lewisham council's outrageous attack
Kurdish asylum seekers living in fear
Northern Ireland and Scotland
Northern Ireland Assembly elections: Another sectarian headcount...
We Won't Pay Campaign conference success
Solidarity builds party profile ahead of elections
Marxist analysis: history
February revolution 1917 - what lessons for today?
International socialist news and analysis
US continues threats over Iran's nuclear ambitions
Iraq war: Convicted Bush official is 'fall guy' over WMD scandal
International Women's Day
Celebrating International Women's Day
Housing
Tenants vote no to council housing sell-off
Market-driven 'social housing' threatens tenants
Environment and socialism
Will government plans stop climate change?
Socialist Students
Build the campaign to defeat fees
International Socialist Resistance (ISR) and Socialist Students conference
Campaign for a New Workers Party
Trade Unions and the Labour Party: CWU branch asks some awkward questions
Campaign for a New Workers' Party conference
Workplace news and analysis
UNISON leaders lead members into dead end
PCS prepares for more struggles
Right wins lecturers' union leadership - on a 14% turnout
Home | The Socialist 15 March 2007 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
email to friend
