Naseh Ghafor a resident of Burngreave, Sheffield, was on hunger strike for six weeks from the 8th July to oppose his deportation to Iraq. He had sewn up his lips and was refusing medical attention. He has now removed the stitches from his mouth and stopped his hunger strike.
He believes he will be killed if he is deported to Iraq. His father and brother were killed there and his sister and mother are missing. There is more detailed background information on the NCADC web site. Local and national politicians are offering no hope to Naseh.
Local activists had organised a 24 hour rota to watch over Naseh while he was on hunger strike. Direct action, in the form of road blockades resulted in coverage in the local media and there was a demonstration from Burngreave into the centre of Sheffield on 21st August.
Daily vigil: 5pm, every day, on Ellesmere Green (top of Spital Hill) for Naseh Ghafor's right to live, stay and work in this country.
Saturday 21st August: Don't Let Naseh Die - Demonstration, from Ellesmere Green, Burngreave to Sheffield Town Hall | Photos: [1].
17th August: Milton House protest
12th August: Burngreave Road protest [video] | [photos]
7th August: Burngreave Road was blocked in a spontaneous protest by friends and supporters of Naseh for nearly an hour [ photos: 1 | 2 ] after a protest at Chatsworth where Sheffield MP David Blunkett was opening a scent garden.
Defend Naseh Ghafor web site | Defend Naseh Email List | Sheffield Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers | No one is illegal | No borders
Naseh Ghafor - with sewn lips on right
Naseh's family were wiped out in northern Iraq. During the process of "Arabization", Naseh says his father was killed and his Mother and two sisters disappeared - presumed dead. Terrified, Naseh fled.
Naseh's asylum claim has been refused - He was evicted from his NASS accommodation, his financial support cut, and has no right to work - he was destitute and homeless, and subject to removal.
Frightened by a situation whereby he could be sent back to Iraq anytime, Naseh sewed his lips up and has been on hunger-strike since the 8th July. Doctors have said that Naseh could loose consciousness at any time. Naseh is refusing treatment. He is basically dying. Campaigners have at all times desperately tried every possible means to persuade Naseh to end his hunger-strike, un-stitch his lips and accept medical treatment.
Local and national politicians are offering no hope to Naseh, They refuse to put anything in writing for him. They will not specify how long he can stay. Ibrar [Ibrar Hussain, a local Labour Councillor] would not answer whether he is allowed to work. Ibrar begged him as a Muslim to take out the stitches... Naseh refused. He does not believe these promises. He says he does not trust the politicians. He needs a paper telling him he can stay."
How you can help
The following is taken from Sheffield Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers:
1) Fax/write to the Minister for Immigration Des Browne - requesting that Naseh Ghafor be given official protection. You can use the model letter. Copy/amend/write your own version, feel free to add your own comments.
You can fax Des Browne on 020 7273 2043, from outside the UK +44 20 7273 2043.
Or write direct to:
Des Browne
Minister for Immigration
Home Office
50 Queen Annes Gate
London
SW1H 9ATPlease notify the campaign of any letters and faxes sent - NasehGhaforMustStay@ncadc.org.uk
Preferably sending the campaign a hard copy:
Sheffield Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers
c/o Sheffield TUC
Sheffield Trades and Labour Club
Talbot Street Entrance
Sheffield
S2 2TG
0778 714 66902) Download the petition (NasehGhaforPetition.doc) Sign it, and get others to sign too. When the form is complete with signatures, please post it to Sheffield Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers, c/o Sheffield TUC, Sheffield Trades and Labour Club, Talbot Street Entrance, Sheffield S2 2TG
3) Download and distribute the Leaflet (NasehLeaflet.ppt)- to as many people as you can.
Thank You! Your support can make a difference!
Messages of support/solidarity to be read to Naseh, please email to NasehGhaforMustStay@ncadc.org.uk
Source for this how you can help info:
Sheffield Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers
c/o Sheffield TUC
Sheffield Trades and Labour Club
Talbot Street Entrance
Sheffield
S2 2T
See also: Defend Naseh Ghafor web site | Defend Naseh Email List
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