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


LONDON - Savage reprisals against trade unionists and protesters in Zimbabwe have shocked us all. The viciousness displayed by the regime in its punishment of anyone who dares to speak out against its abuses has been breathtaking. We salute the brave men and women who will not be silenced.
A recent front page story in The Sun illustrated all that is worst about Zimbabweans in the UK. One young man recklessly endangered the lives of many women through his selfish and irresponsible behaviour. When apprehended he tried to pretend he was an asylum seeker. We understand that he has been returned to Zimbabwe but because of his family links with officials of Zanu (PF) will not be facing the same dangers as other forced returnees.
Rumours continue to circulate about the number of people who have been forcibly returned to Zimbabwe since 2 August. We do not think it is a large number. If anyone is able to help us by providing more information about people they know who have been removed it would be very helpful.
New people calling for help recently have all been picked up from workplaces. It is very difficult to help those who have not got their asylum papers in order. Everyone who is fearful of being detained should by now have arranged to leave a copy of their determination with a trusted friend or family member, plus a signed letter authorising us to look for a legal representative for them (if that is the help they require). Without authorisation or being able to access this information it is difficult for us to assist. Being organised simply enables help to be given.
Detainees continue to be moved from centre to centre which adds to the difficulties in obtaining legal representation for them. Most legal firms only offer their services over a certain area so if the detainee is moved suddenly to Scotland, for example, they may be unable to continue representing their client. This is confusing and depressing for those concerned. It takes time and effort to find decent representation and constant moves are very frustrating.
Numbers of Zimbabweans in detention known to us have risen slightly. This is mainly because we came across a small group of detainees in one centre who were previously unknown and had been there for some weeks. We have not heard of significant numbers of ‘new’ people being picked up and detained. Some of those picked up recently were released after a couple of days in police stations.
Our parting message is “Don’t be fearful. BE ORGANISED.”
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 Support queries: 27 September