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England Hear Our Voice - Detainees Protest in Campsfield IRC
Saturday 29th November 2014 A detainee with mental health issues is in a critical condition after being beaten up by Mitie security guards at Campsfield IRC in Oxfordshire. Between 60 and 100 detainees have occupied the courtyard to protest against the violence and the inhuman living conditions they suffer during detention. Around 4pm on 29th November 2014 a male detainee with mental health issues has been left in 'a critical condition' after he was beaten by guards at Campsfield House IRC, as numerous detainees reported. This marks the second assault by guards against the detainee. Two other detainees were hurt by guards in the ensuing struggle and sustained minor injuries. Between 60 and 100 detainees have occupied the courtyard to protest against the violent treatment of the detainee and the inhuman living conditions they suffer during detention. The protesters in the courtyard were joined by numerous demonstrators outside of the fences and barbed wire surrounding the detention centre who fully support the demands of the detainees. The demands of the 60-100 protesting detainees are: 1. Permission to see their friend in order to see what happened to him 2. Release of the (at least 3-4) people forced into solitary confinement 3. Punishment for the guards who beat up the detainee 4. End to inhuman treatment, deprivation of freedom and separation from families The protesting detainees emphasise that they are 'being treated like animals' in the racist system of immigration detention. Specific problems are inadequate medical care, low quality nutrition, and separation from their families in the UK. The protestors ask to be treated like humans. Instead of responding to the demands, the management of Campsfield IRC ordered to put at least three or four detainees who tried to make contact with their injured friend into solitary confinement and confiscated their phones. A visitor who was trying to see one of them was threatened with arrest by the police. Many more detainees were put under lockdown and not allowed to leave the areas where they were being monitored. Afterwards, several detainees were moved to different detention centres. The incident followed the demonstration '21 years too long' outside the detention centre on Saturday morning. Local, national and international groups have come again and again to protest against Campsfield IRC during the 21 years of its existence. Source: Campaign to Close Campsfield 01/12/14 Dear supporters, we have been sent this short film, made this weekend, which includes three Campsfield detainees saying that they witnessed a serious incident of physical abuse. Their message is clear - they would like people outside to know. Asylum Welcome feels a responsibility to help them to share this information, please could you take a few minutes to watch the film and pass it on as appropriate. Many thanks, Kate http://vimeo.com/113244678 |
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