When I have the time I've been trying to help raise awareness about this situation. Perhaps you can as well.
Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre is an obscene place where the U.K. Border Agency, who could easily be confused with the Gestapo, holds families, women and children in prison-like conditions whilst they await deportation (although many of them are a long way from having exhausted their legal appeals to stay in the country... the UKBA doesn't take such legal niceties into account when they arrive at 5AM to break down your door and drag you and your kids off in an armoured van). A brief summary of some of the horrific events at this place can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarl's_Wood_Immigration_Removal_CentreOn Feb. 5th 2010 a number of women detained at Yarl's Wood started a hunger strike protesting against their detention and against inhumane, brutal and racist treatment by guards employed by Serco Security (the private company that runs Yarl's Wood). This was the latest in a long series of protests and hunger strikes at Yarl's Wood.
Soon after the latest hunger strike started the women were assaulted by Serco staff. One suffered an asthma attack and was left without treatment. Some were called "black monkeys" by SS staff (Serco Security, that is... coincidence?)
Five women were identified as "ringleaders" and transferred to Holloway and Bronzefield prisons DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE NOT EVEN BEEN *accused* OF A CRIME, LET ALONE CHARGED WITH ONE. One, Denise McNeil from Jamaica (married with children to a UK citizen btw) has been held in isolation since being sent to Holloway. More information can be found here:
http://nobordersbrighton.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-yarls-wood-news.htmlThe hunger strike has been temporarily suspended to avoid death or permanent damage to health but will be resumed this month if the women's demands are not met. One woman involved has been deported to Nigeria:
http://womensgrid.freecharity.org.uk/?p=4746Here is a good summary of what folks can do to help:
http://www.indymediascotland.org/node/18549NOTE: some of the links in the above article don't seem to be working. If that is not corrected soon, basicaly what the women are asking folks to do is to contact Alan Johnson MP, secretary of state for the home office, demanding the release of the 5 imprisoned women and that the government meet the demands of the hunger strikers. Google him to find address, phone, email and fax details. Bear in mind that threats, profanity, etc. will be counterproductive (and could get you in trouble with the law).
There have been many protests around the country in support of the women. The following website documents what we in South Wales are doing, as well as lots of other info:
http://noborderswales.org.uk A LUTA CONTINUA until babywrong is dust
RASTAFARI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Author
