Manchester man on hunger strike over immigration case
A Manchester NUJ (National Union of Journalists) member is on hunger strike in protest about the handling of his immigration case.
James Fallah-Williams has now been on hunger strike for 19 days in a desperate bid to try and get immigration ministers to review his case.
James, a journalist and human rights activist, has worked and lived in the country for 13 years but in October last year was told that his asylum claim had been refused.
It was suggested that James apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain which he did in March of this year but the application was refused the following month.
James said: “I am doing this in order to expose a system that is very corrupt and very irresponsible.”
James believes he is being persecuted by the UK Border Agency and says he has no other choice but to take this action in order to stop them abusing his freedom, legal rights and liberty.
James’ campaigners are demanding that a caseworker is assigned to his case so that it can be examined properly as he has been in an “immigration limbo” for four years.
A spokesperson for Manchester NUJ branch Committtee said: “The UKBA’s treatment of James has been despicable and he has reached a point where he believes this drastic option is the only one left open to him.”
Human rights organisation RAPAR are continuing to lobby on behalf of James and are planning on lobbying the UKBA offices in Liverpool tomorrow.
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Dr Rhetta Moran, one of the spokespeople for the campaign said: “We will be going to Liverpool to demand answers from the North West Asylum team.
“There is no excuse for this delay. We are appalled by the UKBA’s intransigence.”
MM persistently tried to get hold of the Home Office for a comment on this case but were unable to get in contact with anybody who would speak on the issue.
If you wish to sign James’ petition then click on this link:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/james_fallah-williams_own_up_ukba/
RAPAR are also encouraging people to send letters of support or protest to immigration minister Damian Green at:
ministerforimmigration@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
Quoting James' HO reference number F1100038.
James (bottom right of photo) campaigning with his fellow RAPAR members
Illogical and inconsistent
I suppose the only way to respond to the illogical and inconsistent way that the UKBA handles cases is to do something so shocking.
There's an old phrase used by football fans - "the despair I can cope with, its the hope that kills me".
That's the real cruelty of our system - that allows people from horrendous situations to wait in hope for so long. That's the inhumanity.
"Just because he's been
"Just because he's been working here for 13yrs doesn't give him right of residence"
yeah because 13 yrs is nothing
its not like he was here working and contributing to soc-
oh...
Where is he being deported
Where is he being deported to?
He has no complaints
Just because he's been working here for 13yrs doesn't give him right of residence. He should be grateful we are so lenient.
We have too many in this country anyway.
He's been here for 13 years,
He's been here for 13 years, so why now?!
Really sad
What a sad state of affairs that an intelligent man has to go on hunger strike to make himself heard. He's lived and worked in this country for 13 years, why deport him now? Good luck James.
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