Detention Watch from Zimbabwe Association

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 02380 879675
General: 07714736382
P O Box 248, Hythe, SO45 4WX, United Kingdom


Detainees known to the ZA have increased slightly in number. Information was recently received about a new group of Zimbabweans in one centre. On investigation it turned out that some were already in contact with us and had just been transferred there. The random transferring of detainees from one centre to another also adds to the confusion.
Over the last few days we have had a couple of new reports of people being detained. Our message to their friends and relatives remains the same. It is essential to get copies of the detainee’s asylum papers if you are to get legal help for your friend or relative. Everyone should have their own copy of their papers. People who are organised will have given a trusted friend or relative a copy of these papers already. If the detainee’s own papers cannot be reached (e.g. because they lived at the other end of the country) then the detainee needs to contact their legal representative (or previous legal representative) and at the very least, get a copy of their determination faxed to them in the detention centre. A detainee needs to try and get good legal representation. Don’t just sign up with anybody.
If you are in detention and desperate to get out please do NOT just apply for bail. You only have a good chance of being granted bail if your asylum case is in the legal process, for example, a legal rep may have lodged a fresh claim on your behalf or may have applied for a Judicial Review. If you apply for bail and the Home Office considers that your asylum case is finished, then it is likely you will only succeed in getting Removal Directions issued. The first priority should always be to see if there are any legal steps you can take regarding your asylum case.
The lawyers who have been running an Advice Line from our offices over the last few months are coming to the end of the pilot project. There are two sessions left. If you have not yet taken advantage of their expertise ring them between 2 and 5 next Wednesday.
We can be contacted at the office on 020 7549 0355 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, messages may be left on the answer machine at other times, or by fax 020 7549 0356 or email: zimbabweassociation@yahoo.co.uk.

ADVICE LINE: Wednesday 2 – 5 pm
Asylum queries: 13 September
Support queries: 27 September


Bristol Vigil well attended

BRISTOL - The August vigil was well attended, the sun was shining, and we had a very special day meeting visitors to Bristol, as well as residents, who came to sign our petition.
It’s surprising how many people living here in Bristol, or just visiting, have a link with Zimbabwe: we’ve met people born there, and now living here; people born here, and educated there; people resident here but who have worked in Zimbabwe; people who have visited Zimbabwe on holiday, or as part of a tour of African countries; university students who have done exchanges with Zimbabwean students; Bristolians married to Zimbabweans or related in some way; families who have been separated - with mothers whose children are still there, or children at school here, with parents still living in Zimbabwe.
The common thread is that everyone is deeply concerned about what’s going on in Zimbabwe, and many have horrendous stories to tell of their experiences.
From all of our visitors who have a connection with the country, there is a warm appreciation of the presence of the Vigil, drawing attention as it does to a country torn apart by an oppressive dictator who is intent on hoodwinking Zimbabweans and other African nations into believing that his party - Zanu (PF) - is the defender of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and Africa’s fight against imperialism. For his deception to work he has to obliterate any opposition – which is why so many Zimbabweans end up in prison, being beaten and tortured, and why many thousands are looking for sanctuary in other countries. The problem the UK should be focusing on is not one of immigration, but how to depose Mugabe, and the vigil is Bristol’s way of supporting that claim, and showing our support to those seeking asylum here. - Next meeting: Saturday, September 30, 11am – 3pm, city center.