Iraqi asylum seekers claim they were beaten on flight to Baghdad

[sabra]

Source: Guardian UK

UN to investigate claims that British security officers and Iraqi officials punched and drag asylum seekers off the plane

Baghdad international airport in Iraq As many as 25 of the 42 men deported were reported to be under detention in Baghdad airport despite having been screened in advance by Iraqi officials in the UK.

The United Nations is to investigate claims that deported and handcuffed Iraqi asylum seekers were beaten by British security officers during a charter flight to Baghdad.

As many as 25 of the 42 men deported from Heathrow on Wednesday evening were reported to be under detention in Baghdad airport today despite having been screened in advance by Iraqi officials at detention centres in the UK.

Iraqi officials were alleged to have boarded the flight when it touched down early yesterday to help security staff employed by the UK Borders Agency (UKBA) punch and drag reluctant failed asylum seekers off the plane.

...

One of those deported, Zed Karam, from Baghdad, warned before his departure that his life would be at risk. "I have lived (in the UK) for three years," he said. "I had a good business in Iraq, I didn't want to leave but I had to when I was threatened by the sectarian violence. If they put me on this flight they are sending me to my death."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/18/iraq-asylum-seekers-beaten-deported

[Soylent Brice]

1. so very sad. n/t