| Bini
belongs to Middlesbrough!
Biniam Tesfai Araia fled Eritrea where he
and his family were targets for the Eritrean People's Liberation Front
(EPLF) because of their involvement with the opposing Eritrean Liberation
Front (ELF).
Bini's father had been a prominent figure
in the ELF and was killed when the EPLF sought to overthrow them in 1981.
Bini and his mother spent the next 12 years
trying to escape persecution by the EPLF. They were forced to flee to
Ethiopia in 1991, where Bini's mother remained committed to her husband's
aspirations and continued to work undercover for the ELF.
In 1993, the situation deteriorated and many
ELF members were kidnapped.
Bini came home from school one day and
found that his mother had disappeared.
He went to stay with his mothers friend; enrolling
on a degree course in Geology at the local university.
In 1998, war broke out between Eritrea and Ethiopia
and many students were arrested. In 2000, Bini was accused of collaborating
with the Eritrean Special Forces and soldiers arrested and imprisoned
him. While in detention, he was held in appalling conditions and subjected
to inhumane treatment.
He was only able to escape because his mother's
friend bribed a prison official.
Since coming to the UK in March 2001 Bini
has started to rebuild his life.
Bini is an active member of the Jubilee Church
in Middlesbrough, who he regards as his family. He is Secretary of the
North East Eritrean Community and chairs the Middlesbrough Young Refugees
Steering Committee.
He has resumed his studies at Teesside University where
he recently gained 2 distinctions for his work.
Evidence from Amnesty International confirms
that the situation in Eritrea is deteriorating, and Bini's life would
surely be at risk if he was returned because of his family's political
activities.
How you can help Bini:
A campaign has been set up by Bini's
friends who are asking supporters to write to Beverley Hughes, the Immigration
Minister. You can use the model
letter attached or write your own.
Fax: 0207 273 2043 from outside the UK + 20 7273 2043
Or write to:
Beverley Hughes MP
Immigration Minster
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
London
SW1H 9AT
If you have time, send a copy to:
Bini belongs to Middlesbrough!
CampaignEnquiries/further information
Bini belongs to Middlesbrough! Campaign
c/o NCADC
66 Dovecot Street
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 1LL
Tele: 01642 679298
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