RAPAR /// The Manchester-based human rights organisation working with displaced people
PRESS RELEASE /// For immediate release /// 22nd December 2011
HUNGER STRIKER NOW HANDCUFFED TO HILLINGDON HOSPITAL BED
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Isaac Shaffer from Wilson Solicitors LLP, his lawyer, said "Our client was transferred from Immigration detention and has been receiving emergency medical treatment in hospital for several days now. His admission was preceded by a hunger strike of over 30 days - a protest against his treatment by the Home Office, and in particular against his prolonged immigration detention.
However, despite being hospitalized due to his fragile medical condition (and the acute concern of independent medical experts - who also note their finding that he is a victim of torture), we have now been informed that he is currently being restrained to his hospital bed via metal handcuffs. We strongly consider that there is nothing to indicate that this continued and egregious infringement upon our client’s fundamental right to liberty is appropriate." .
Having already won an injunction preventing removal, the legal process to ensure he can stay in the UK continues. His lawyer stated: "We remain deeply concerned about the health and well-being of our client. We strongly hope that now, following the High Court's grant of an injunction against removal, the Home Office will urgently reconsider whether his continued and prolonged detention remains lawful and indeed reasonable in the circumstances."
Abu Amna, a member of the Beja Congress and friend of Mortada said, “I think it is very inhumane to treat a patient like that. So long as he is in hospital, he is a patient, he should be treated like other patients. He is in the care of the medical staff and I wonder why they tolerate such practices. Since the UKBA policy says "Restraints must not be used to attach detainees to furniture or any other fixtures and fittings", something must have gone terribly wrong. He is a patient and must not be treated like this in the hospital.”
RAPAR spokesperson Nahella Ashraf said ”We call upon anyone who can to take a few minutes out of their preparations for the Christmas holiday to stand with us in defence of Mortada beside the Mount Street tram stop in City Centre Manchester at 2pm tomorrow, Friday. The cuffs must come off immediately.”
For background and previous press releases and updates see Mortada's campaign page.
For further information see: http://www.sudaneseonline.com/english/
Contact:
Nahella Ashraf, RAPAR, on 07988572976
Mohammed Alhalennsy of the Beja Congress, on 07400973235
Dr Rhetta Moran, RAPAR, on 07776264646