The future is uncertain and full of trepidation for the Algerian men and their families who are about to be deported back to their home country in the coming days. The Government has agreed to their request for voluntary deportation after years of suffering and persecution that has left them scarred forever. The families have abandoned all hope for justice in the UK and are willing to risk their lives and the future of their children by returning to a country widely criticised for its appalling human rights record.
The families have packed their few belongings, the children have put away their little toys, the mothers have shed their final tears, and now they await a future that could see them homeless and destitute with no one to turn to.
They have appealed to you for help so they can provide their children with shelter and food when they return.
Isn't it time to help those who plead for your help?
The sad story of these Algerian men and their families started soon after the attacks of 9/11. The men were arrested and accused of various terrorist plots, such as the ricin case, but were not charged or convicted of any crime. Having been released after spending many years in Belmarsh and other prisons, the Algerian men were re-arrested following 7/7 accused of ?being a threat to national security'. No evidence was ever presented to substantiate these claims and no explanation was given to their lawyers. The men still don't know why they've been incarcerated in high security prisons far away from their families and are left confused and bewildered.
Amnesty International recently reported that the men (Detainees I and V) who were deported last week have disappeared on their return to Algeria and their families have had no contact with them since they arrived at Algiers airport. Despite this news, the other men awaiting deportation are still determined to return home; such is the despair and complete hopelessness they feel.
?We were prevented to call our families, friends and lawyers for many days. The sad news is that their phone has been cancelled for no obvious reasons. I do not know if they will clear it again. It is just unbelievable and reckless behaviour.
As you are aware, I have had enough. My objective is now to go to Algeria . We are treated so badly without proper justification whatsoever and are under atrocious conditions. The Home Office is playing politics with our lives. Although we have agreed to go back to our country since last month we are still unlawfully detained in this limbo. In fact, we consider ourselves now as hostages.
I cannot wait to join my parents. I just hope it will be soon. As soon as I get there, my wife and child will follow me. I just wonder now if life is easy there .? Letter of a detainee awaiting deportation
Another detainee made the following appeal to you.
?I was in Belmarsh since January 2003 for the ricin ? or for - the NO ricin case and then I was acquitted and released on bail in 26 May 2005.
On 15 September 2005 I was arrested again for deportation to Algeria , my country of origin.
I tried to fight the deportation but there is no way for me to win my appeal whatsoever.
I know why I am detained and I am really proud with that. Firstly, I am proud because I didn't commit any crime. Secondly I am proud because I'm detained for the honour I was born with which is my Islam and I'll not sell it for anything.
I decided to go back to my country, Algeria . Things are uncertain especially regarding financial matters. I welcome any financial assistance for me.?
How you can help
Your help is needed to assist these men and their families establish themselves and slowly rebuild their lives once they return to their country of origin. Every donation, regardless of how little it may be, will go towards paying for basic necessities such as accommodation, food and clothing. Many of the men have young children who are oblivious to the life that faces them in Algeria so it is imperative that we try and help make the transition to a new life as smooth as possible. We can only get your money to them whilst the men or their families are in the UK . Once they have left it will be too late so ACT NOW!!!
You can donate to Hhugs in the following way:
On-Line
Donate on-line using PayPal. Its safe, secure, and only takes a few minutes. Go to our page on-line donations page now and see how easy it is to make your donation. Please quote reference DEPORTEES in the space provided on the on-line form.
Send a cheque made payable to HHUGS to the following address:
Hhugs
PO Box 415
New Malden
KT3 9AF
Please quote the reference DEPORTEES on the back of the cheque.
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
