Thirty-two Iraqis were forcibly removed yesterday despite concerns that they will face persecution upon their return. They were flown on military aircraft, which left an RAF base in the UK and headed for Kurdish-held Northern Iraq.
Home Secretary, John Reid had already stated that he would ignore any applications for judicial review and only those whose applications had been accepted by the courts would be removed from the flight.
Despite this tougher stance, the Refugee Legal Centre persuaded a High Court judge to grant five out of six of their applications for an injunction but another five were put on the flight in their place. Forty Iraqis had been detained the week before, in anticipation that if some would be granted injunctions, other detainees would be put in their stead to ensure the flight was full.
Yesterday, refugee charities and Iraqi organisations condemned the move to forcibly remove people to Iraq,. A demonstration was held outside the Home Office yesterday by Iraqi Kurds who are now at risk of deportation. Many believe they will face persecution if returned because they oppose the major political parties in Northern Iraq. The Foreign Office also advices against travelling in the area except in essential circumstances.
See also:
Guardian: Home Office makes sure asylum flight to Iraq is full
Independent: Deported refugees fearful of persecution on their return
