Actions Against Detention of Asylum Seekers

Over the weekend of 21 to 23 September there were hunger strikes, vigils and demonstrations in support of detained asylum seekers throughout the UK and Australia.

'I have never committed a crime in my life, but I have paid the price of a murderer - just for fleeing from persecution in my homeland.'

These words, read to a 150 strong protest outside Walton prison in Liverpool, tell of the plight of more than one hundred asylum seekers currently detained in the prison. Along with convicted prisoners, they are locked in cells for 23 hours a day, subject to racist abuse, and given adulterated food. English lessons are denied. The Liverpool campaign to free the detainees has received strong support, much from trades unions. UNISON speakers from the North West Region demanded, 'Justice for the illegally detained refugees' and pledged 'continuing support for the campaign.' The local branch is asking the council to open up local, recently closed children’s' and elderly peoples' homes to house the illegally imprisoned asylum seekers.

Local fire-fighter and FBU chair Ian Foulkes received much applause when he said, 'Three hundred fire-fighters lost their lives last week, but that tragedy should not be used as an excuse to murder more people.'

The march on Walton prison was part of a set of co-ordinated protests in Britain and Australia demanding an end to the detention of asylum seekers.

In Australia there was a "Solidarity Bus Ride" to Woomera Detention Centre and at Maribyrnong Detention Centre there was a three day hunger strike and protest by supporters to demand that these camps be closed, and that the war against refugees and immigrants ends. In Victoria there was a "Rally to Stop the War on Refugees", in Sydney groups organised a march to Villawood Detention Centre, and in Darwin there was a protest outside the immigration department. In the wake of the "Tampa Crisis" such action is clearly needed.

Elsewhere in the UK there were demonstrations at Dungavel Detention/prison, Harmondsworth and Campsfield Detention Centres, Lindholme Detention/prison and HMP Lewes.