Alliance Supports Anti-Deportation Bid

2.25.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd May 2007

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has written to the Home Office Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, in support of efforts to prevent the deportation of Lordorice Djuntso and her daughter Imelda to Cameroon.

Stephen Farry stated:

"This family is currently in the Earlswood detention centre in Berkshire awaiting imminent deportation to Cameroon.

"Lordorice had little option but to flee her home after a dispute with a local chief where she was raped and her brothers killed. If she is returned to Cameroon, she would be at risk of sexual violence and persecution.

"Ms Djountso has made Belfast her home, and made a major contribution to the community.

"There must be a strong humanitarian case for the Home Office to urgently review this case, and to avoid the risk of a tragedy occuring."

ENDS