LIBERAL Democrat peer Lord Roberts of Llandudno, President of Liberal Democrat Seekers of Sanctuary, today wrote to Home Secretary Theresa May urging her to release Nigerian asylum seeker Isa Muaza, who is on hunger strike.
Lord Roberts appealed to Ms May to show clemency and free Mr Muaza, who is on the verge of death.
Mr Muazu is set to be deported to Nigeria where he has no family or friends, and fears attack by Islamic extremists Boko Haram, a group which he says has already killed several members of his family.
He has been on hunger strike since 25 August and is no longer able to see or stand. His weight today was 50 kilograms, down from 83 kilograms. He claims his asylum claim was not treated fairly.
In his letter to Ms May – which has already been co-signed John McDonnell MP, Jeremy Beecham MP, Julian Huppert MP, Baroness Lane-Fox, Baroness Tonge, Baroness Kidron, Baroness Sharp and Baroness Lister, amongst others – Lord Roberts wrote:
“I am shocked and saddened by yesterday’s Court of Appeal decision to refuse Mr Muazu’s appeal to be released from detention.
“As you will be aware, Mr Muaza remains in a critical condition, having been on hunger strike in Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre for nearly 100 days. Despite compelling evidence, the decision to continue Mr Muaza’s detention and pursue Mr Muaza’s imminent deportation contradicts medical advice and shows no regard for the value of his life.
“I remain extremely concerned that Mr Muaza may die in detention or during a forced removal from the UK – which is scheduled for tomorrow, 27 November – and I urgently call for clemency in this case.
“I urge you to act quickly in reconsidering Mr Muaza’s case. I call on you release him so that another death or serious harm in immigration detention or during the removal process may be avoided.”
Additionally, 100 award winning actors, theatre directors, playwrights, lawyers, leading NGOs and community organisations have also written to Ms May appealing for clemency for the detained hunger striker.
The signatories include actors Juliet Stevenson, Dame Harriet Walter, Cush Jumbo, Khalid Abdallah and playwrights Howard Brenton, author Stella Duffy and comedians Mark Thomas and Daniel Kitson. Furthermore leading NGOs, such as Liberty, Reprieve and Amnesty International have also signed the letter.