UK residents demo in support of Zimbo

Asylum, Diaspora, News — By on March 19, 2010 12:05 am

A demonstration was was staged in Sheffield city centre (United Kingdom)  in support of a young Zimbabwean asylum seeker desperate to stay in South Yorkshire.

Samuel Musarika, aged 25, who says he was beaten in his homeland of Zimbabwe due to his sisters’ work with opponents of President Robert Mugabe, fled Zimbabwe in 2004. His sisters were granted asylum here in 2005, but the Home Office has ruled Sam’s life is not at risk.

The demonstration, attended by more than 100 people yesterday, marked the sixth anniversary of Sam’s arrival in the UK. Supporters, who have set up a ‘Samuel Musarika Must Stay’ campaign, waved placards and carried a petition of more than 1,000 signatures on a march from City Hall to the Home Office’s department at Riverside.

Sam, who was accompanied by his sisters, told supporters: “I have been in this country for six years but nothing is moving. My life is just being wasted.” Supporter Simon Crowther said: “Sam is a highly valued member of the Sheffield community. We are worried he will be at risk of forced removal to Zimbabwe where his life would be in danger.”

Sam’s asylum claim, and subsequent appeal, have been refused, and his fresh claim for asylum – lodged nearly three years ago – has not yet been processed. He is banned from working but volunteers with the Green Party whose website he has redesigned, the Sheffield Conversation Club helping other asylum seekers learn English, Student Action for Refugees, and asylum charity Assist.

Green Party councillor Jillian Creasy said: “It is very sad and shocking that someone with qualities like Sam’s should have been waiting six years to get permission for indefinite leave to remain. He is a fantastic person – brave and bright and beautiful.”

Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven spoke at the demo. He said: “I support Samuel. This is a young man whose sisters were brutalised by Mugabe’s regime. If he were to go back there is no guarantee he would be safe.” The Star.co.uk

[newsletter]

Did you find this information helpful? If you did, consider donating to fund our operations.

For breaking news alerts on Zimbabwe click here Tags: ,