| The Karim Family Campaign |
Earlier this year the Karim Family
were "snatched" from
their home in Nelson, near Burnley, detained at Yarl's Wood Removal
Centre, and later released. The family's fresh claim has just been
rejected, so they now face detention and deportation all over again.
"Crystal still cryin n hopin 4 u we wont eva giv up until ur bak with uz here were u belong we miss you loads" One of the many tributes on a web-petition set up by classmate, Hollie Eccles, to 13 year old Crystal Karim while she was detained at Yarl's Wood. The Karims are Christians from Pakistan where they were persecuted and got death threats because of their religion. Pearl and Nigel, together with their children Crystal (13) and Calvin (11) fled to the UK 4 years ago and believe they would face further persecution if they were deported back to Pakistan. Taken from local newspaper reports and the Karim family, below is the dramatic account of how they were taken to Yarl's Wood and later released, and three days of remarkable campaigning by their local community. Wednesday May 10th: At 7.30am a "snatch squad" swooped on the Karim's home, telling them their asylum claim had failed. The Karims tried to explain that they had made a "fresh claim" which was still being considered, but this fell on deaf ears and they were only given a few minutes to pack some possessions before they were taken away to Yarl's Wood. Pearl explained "It was too early for visitors and when I looked out of a window at the back of the house I saw two people in uniform. I thought, "They've come". The children were devastated, Calvin was getting ready for a SATS test at Holy Saviour School and Crystal also had an exam. The look on their faces was terrible, it would have melted anybody's heart"
Family and friends held an emergency meeting in Holy Saviour Church Hall that evening to plan anti-deportation actions to save the Karims. They contacted the local MP, Gordon Prentice, who said "I have made a huge number of representations on their behalf and the process has been extended. We will have to see how we can try and turn things around." Thursday May 11th: Front page coverage of the vigil in the Lancashire
Telegraph Calvin was due to sit a SATs test, but his desk remained empty as his classmates completed their exams. Teacher Mrs Tricia Bedford said: "We didn't tell the other children what had happened until after the test, they were absolutely devastated. Calvin was always keen to be involved in everything and is a big part of this school, many of his friends were in tears." Later in the day, the campaign learned that the Karims were being released. At Holy Saviour School pupils were in the playground when the news came through.
Nigel, Pearl, Crystal, and Calvin were all overcome with emotion as hundreds of family and friends packed the church hall to welcome them back.
"This incident shows the power of community spirit and we really need to celebrate that" - one of the Karim's many supporters Join the sweeping community-based campaign to help keep the Karim Family in Nelson where they belong! Since their fresh claim has been rejected, the Karim Family needs your support more than ever before. Other articles ; What you can do to help: 1. Get signatures for the petition to the Immigration Minister 2. Post your message of support on the web-site set up by Crystal Karim's classmates 3. Join
the Karim Family Campaign
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Fr
Christopher Gorton, parish priest at Holy Saviour RC Church, held
a candlelit vigil for the family; more than 250 members of the
community packed crammed together to say prayers (photo left).
Head teacher Alix Lubomski said: "We rang the school bell
and everyone stopped, when we told them Clavin and his family would
be coming back there was a huge cheer. The kids at the school are
now delighted that the Karim family are on their way back, it has
been a real roller coaster, but we are determined to keep up with
the campaign and continue fighting to keep them in Nelson."
