Home Office Cancels Plans to Deport Hicham Yezza

The Home Office has cancelled plans to deport Hicham Yezza, the University of Nottingham administrator held in detention on immigration charges. His lawyers sought a judicial review and representations were made to the home secretary by both the University and College Union (UCU) and the University of Nottingham.

Academics in Nottingham have now called for his immediate release. However, there are reports that Hicham is being incessantly moved between detention facilities, against his will. According to the Guardian, Hicham, speaking from Colnbrook immigration removal centre, said that he felt betrayed by the authorities of a country he loved, respected and felt part of.

The 30-year old Algerian was detained after being found in possession of an al-Qaida training manual that he had been given by an MA student to print. After being released without charge, Hicham was re-arrested on immigration charges and up until last Friday was due to be deported back to Algeria, having spent thirteen years in the UK. According to the Guardian, these recent events have made him a martyr to academic freedom in the eyes of a growing campaign group of lecturers and students, who say that the government’s anti-terror agenda is placing increased pressure on universities to spy on certain members.

For daily updates on Hicham’s case, and a petition for his immediate release, please see

www.freehichamyezza.wordpress.com


URGENT
NEAR cannot continue without your support.

NEAR depends on the generosity of people like you. To make a contribution, please:
- Send us a cheque payable to NEAR
- Or make a donation by visiting www.paypal.com. Please make your payments payable to:

NEAR
London South Bank University
Technopark
90 London Road
SE1 9LN, London, UK

Email address: jonathan.travis@nearinternational.org

Alert - United Kingdom

Related Links