Help stop the deportation of Nadina Arzane and Bashir Foris
Sarah Jones | 12.04.2010 14:00 | Birmingham | South Coast
As a young Christian and human rights activist she has suffered prolonged persecution from the Iranian government and will be arrested and possibly executed if she is returned.
International organisations have reported that execution is common place in Iran for a range of crimes including acts of dissidence. Sexual violence by guards in women's prisons is widespread, as are other violent acts. Human Rights Watch reported the case of Maryam Sabir, 21. She was arrested after attending a commemoration demonstration to mark the 40th day after the murder of Neda Solton- whose shooting dead during a demonstration shocked the world. Before she was released Sabir says she was raped four times by guards.
Mehdi Karroubi, Reformist Presidential Candidate wrote that, "Some detained individuals stated that some authorities have raped detained women with such force that they have sustained injuries and tears to their reproductive system" (www.hrw.org, 'Iran: Stop Covering up Sexual Asaults in Prisons').
Nadia has shown immense courage and conviction in her belief in her religion and human rights. On arriving in the UK in January she was detained and is currently being detained in Yarlswood Immigration Removal Centre. Nadia and Bashir are under great stress. Nadia is terrified; she is unable to eat and sleep. She is showing signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nadia is 13 weeks pregnant and is therefore still in the early stages of her pregnancy during which miscarriages are most common.
The home office have issued the couple with removal directions, a flight has been booked for them to return to Latvia on Wednesday 14th April, where it is likely they will be returned to Iran. Her solicitor has requested an injuction from the high court and legal challenges are currently being made.
Nadia's physical and mental health is a serious concern. She has not had a full psychological assessment (as recommended by health professionals) and therefore there is no way of knowing the full state of her mental health and how the stress of the imminent removal will affect the health of her unborn child. She is not receiving the treatment that she needs.
Please call Sky Break (representatives of Air Baltic at Gatwick Airport) and Air Baltic to request that they do not except this vulnerable couple onto the flight.
Flight number: BT652, 13:10 Wednesday 14th April, Gatwick Airport
Sky Breaks
Phone: 01293 555700
Address: Bath Road, Harmondsworth, West Drayton, UB7 0NA
Air Baltic
Phones: +371 67006006, +370 700 55660,
Monday- Friday: 07:00-22.00
Saturday- Sunday: 08:00-20:00
Sarah Jones