Immigration news & Gossips ( Musyi Munene)

Elizabeth Kiwunga, who was detained by immigration officials in the early hours of Thursday morning, has been twice denied asylum, despite her supporters’ claims they have evidence she was tortured in her homeland.

Councillors, residents and church leaders from Darlington will gather in the market place this weekend in a show of support Ms Kiwunga.

The Reverend Sheilagh Williamson of St Columbas Church, in Parkside, Darlington, has lead the campaign to prevent Ms Kiwunga’s removal.

She said: “We made a new application to the Home Office sent by an independent wound expert who verified that the marks on her body were made by torture.”

Rev Williamson also raised concerns about the manner in which Ms Kiwunga was detained, after immigration officials swooped on her home at about 7.15am on Wednesday.

“It’s just dreadful,” she added. “I can’t describe what kind of state she is in.

“It was terrifying, her children were taken from her and put in separate vehicles.”

Speaking today from Strasbourg last night, MEP Stephen Hughes, who has also been involved in the campaign, said fellow MEP Claude Moraes, a former immigration lawyer, was also supporting Ms Kiwunga.

“Elizabeth and her two beautiful children have become valued members of the Darlington community,” said Mr Hughes.

“All we are asking is that the additional evidence of torture, corroborated by an eminent physician, that has been provided in her latest asylum application be considered fairly and in the context of the fact that this is the first time that she has been able to tell her story.

“I am concerned that the new evidence was not taken into account and that this latest decision has been unfairly based upon earlier incorrect assumptions.”

A spokeswoman for the UK Border Agency said: “Removals are always carried out in the most sensitive way possible, treating those being removed with courtesy and dignity.

“We only seek to remove families who are in the UK unlawfully when all appeal rights are exhausted and they have no further claim to remain in the UK.

“We only return those who the independent courts have found do not need international protection and can return safely.”

If failed asylum seekers do not depart voluntarily then we will enforce their return.

Supporters of Ms Kiwunga, or any other asylum seeker, are invited to attend Darlington Market Place at 6pm.