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Ildeberto
Marial Must Stay!
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Ildeberto
Marial Must Stay!
Ildeberto Marial came to the UK in September 2002 from
Angola, where his active support for UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence
of Angola) resulted in his systematic harassment at the hands of the ruling MPLA
(Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola).
In May 2002, Ildeberto was imprisoned and tortured by
the authorities. He managed to escape when he was part of a group of prisoners
who were assigned to sweep the streets in preparation for an MPLA celebration.
He fled to the UK where he claimed asylum in August
2002. His application was refused.
Ildeberto had been living in Stockton-on-Tees. At
the end of 2002 he met and fell in love with Rebecca. The couple set up home
together in February 2003 along with Rebecca's two children from a previous relationship,
who now regard Ildeberto as their father.
Rebecca and Ildeberto got married in August 2003, but
that December Ildeberto was arrested and removal directions were set for 2 days
before Christmas.
That was the beginning of 11 months of torment for Ildeberto
and Rebecca.
When Immigration Officers tried to put him on a plane
at Heathrow Airport, he resisted because of his terror of persecution back in
Angola and his fears for the well-being of his family in the UK.
Ildeberto spent most of the next year in Dover Immigration
Removal Centre. His appeal on Human Rights grounds was refused. It
was almost impossible for Rebecca, who was expecting the couple's child, to visit
over such a long distance with two small children. She was left to cope
alone with her pregnancy.
During this time Ildeberto's health deteriorated alarmingly.
He was refused bail despite the intervention of the couple's MP Dari Taylor,
who made an impassioned plea on their behalf. The GP who assessed Ilderberto
reported that he was in urgent need of anti-depressant therapy.
On 5th September another attempt was made to forcibly
remove Ildeberto. He was handcuffed and subjected to physical and verbal
abuse by Immigration Escorts. Ildeberto's visitor from the Kent Campaign to Defend
Asylum Seekers was so concerned for Ildeberto's welfare that she alerted Dari
Taylor MP, who has called for an investigation into this brutality.
On his return to Dover Immigration Removal Centre, Ildeberto
requested that he be allowed to see a psychiatrist, but when the psychiatrist
arrived at the centre no-one bothered to inform Ildeberto, and he missed the
appointment.
Ildeberto was released in November and reunited with
his family. Speaking of his 11 months in detention, Ildeberto said "I was
depressed and suicidal at times. I felt there was no end to it. When I
was released I felt strange. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry - nothing."
Since his release from detention he has been referred
to the Medical Foundation for the Treatment of Victims of Torture and arrangements
have been made for him to receive the treatment he needs.
Ildeberto is a deeply traumatised and vulnerable human
being who has been treated in an appalling manner by the authorities. He was
separated from his wife at the time of the birth of baby Emily and was denied
one of life's most precious experiences.
He now awaits the outcome of an appeal to the European
Court of Human Rights. The couple have the support of local people, the
church and the local press.
Ildeberto, Rebecca and their children simply want to
remain together as a family while Ildeberto recovers from his trauma and they
need your support.
What you can do to help:
Fax\write to the Immigration Minister requesting that
Ildeberto is allowed to stay. You can use the model
letter attached. Copy/amend/write your own version, feel free
to add your own comments.
You can fax Des Browne on: 0207 273 2043 or
if you are outside the UK on: +44 207 273 2043
or write direct:
Des Browne
Immigration Minister
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
London
SW1H 9AT
Please notify the campaign of any faxes/letters sent:
ncadc-north-east@ncadc.org.uk
For further details/information contact the campaign at:
Ildeberto Marial Campaign
c/o NCADC
109 Parliament Road
Middlesbrough
TS1 4JE
Tel\Fax: 01642 226260
Don't
tear us apart
Source for this page:
Ildeberto Marial Campaign
Kath Sainsbury <ncadc-north-east@ncadc.org.uk> |
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