Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/615/8989
From The Socialist newspaper, 10 March 2010
Solidarity with Yarl's Wood hunger strikers
A show of solidarity took place outside Holloway Prison in protest at five hunger striking asylum seekers being moved there from Yarl's Wood immigration centre. Up to 30 women began their hunger strikes in February to oppose their detention. The hunger strikes are also a protest against the humiliation and racism that the women were enduring at Yarl's Wood, and the lack of sufficient legal representation.
The demonstration on Wednesday 1 March involved various organisations and individuals who are disgusted by the discrimination, isolation, alienation and maltreatment that these women have undergone.
During the protest a Serco van drove towards the prison, but had to drive away. Serco is one of the privateering contractors that the prison service employs. Last month the company reported an annual 34% increase in pre-tax profits to £194.7 million.
Solidarity
There have also been solidarity protests in Newcastle, during which a huge banner was dropped at a shopping centre. Other similar protests have taken place around Britain since the start of the women's hunger strike.
For socialists it is important that the rights of asylum seekers are defended when they are constantly vilified by the corporate-owned media. In reality these women, who have now been branded prisoners, are trying to escape torture and rape.
Alex Davis, Hackney Socialist Party
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In The Socialist 10 March 2010:
Fight the cuts, not union members
Don't let Unison democracy go up in smoke!
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Socialist Party feature
Michael Foot - the end of an era
Socialist Party news and analysis
Trades Council demo unites Brighton fightback
Riot cops attack peaceful Sussex students' protest
Police clear path for racist EDL thugs
Anti-war campaigner Joe Glenton gets nine months
Civil servants strike
Civil Servants Strike reports (updated)
Solid two-day civil service strike shows anger of PCS members
Socialist Party NHS campaign
International socialist news and analysis
Palestine: 'The Wall Must Fall!'
Chile earthquake: Natural disaster, state catastrophe
Socialist Party campaigns
Debate on women's oppression: Socialists propose solutions
Waltham Forest day of action: Socialists and trade unionists make a stand
Canvassing for support for socialists in Lewisham
Build solidarity with Sri Lankan Tamils
Solidarity with Yarl's Wood hunger strikers
National Shop Stewards Network: For undivided rank and file organisation
Justice for the Shrewsbury pickets
Socialist Party workplace news
London Underground signals victory
CWU to put Royal Mail deal to ballot of members
Socialist Party review
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