Stop Crystal and family from being Deported..Onlin

[michele cryer]

Hiya, my son's friend and her family have been sent to detention centres in the UK this morning. He and his friends are distraught about this happening to them, and would be grateful if you could sign their Online Petition in support of Crystal and her family.

www.piczo.com/xSavexCrystalx?g=14477065&cr=5

www.piczo.com/xSavexCrystalx?g=14477066&cr=5

[Mitch]

Hi Michele,

Lucy's advice is sound on Libcom - I put a post up on the petition.

Have you read the campaigning guides on NCADC - I've yet to read them but I will.

We should mention it tonight - see if there's anything we can do as a group too, to build a community campaign maybe??

Any help/advice Lucy can give on building a local campaign would be good?

Sees you later. Mitch x

[michele cryer]

Hi Mitch,

Yes, I was really pleased that Lucy saw the post on Libcom. I have checked out the NCADC website and its campaign tips, which is the info I intend to pass onto the school chaplain, of the school Crystal and her brother were attending.

Yes, it would be a good idea to mention it tonight also.

[Mitch]

And there is Sue J - locally. She has a lot of knowledge locally of Asylum campaigns.

I've lost my lets sheet with her number on it - have you got it.

Bet she's got some ideas!!!

Let me know if there's anything else you want me to do to help.

lurv Mitch x

[michele cryer]

Hiya Mitch,

I'm gonna try to contact Sue again, maybe my email to her was rejected because it was sent with many others...considered spam? Will email again and then route out her tel.no. if I have no luck...

Maybe some of the PUAF people have contacts with the local Asylum Seeker support groups too...will see what response I get.

Thanks for offering to consider an additional leaflet...do you want me to try to design a quick one or would you like to do so?

[michele cryer]

Or maybe I could just send Graeme the links to the petition website, and see if he could quickly run one off and send me a copy to bring tonight? Will let you know what happens.

[Mitch]

Hey sweets,

The Karim family are on the front of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph today.

A little of the story is here below from:
www.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk/display.var.757009.0.family_detained_by_armed_police.php

I got a copy of it for you for tonight -

Family detained by armed police
By LET newsdesk
A COMMUNITY was today fighting to save a family from deportation and calling for help from new Home Secretary John Reid.

Armed police and immigration officials swooped on the family home of Nigel and Pearl Karim and their children, 11-year-old Calvin and sister Crystal, 13, detaining them at gunpoint as the youngsters got ready for school."

The article goes on - Today there at Yarlswood detention centre near Luton, Bedfordshire where they could be deported back to Pakistan within 72 hours.

There was a Candle Lit vigil last night - and Pupils from the children - Calvin & Crystal's schools - Holy Saviour Primary/Nelson and Fisher-More//Colne - Dan's school are calling for help from John Reid/Home Secretary.

Mr Samuals (the brother of Pearl Karim said the family claimed religious asylum four years ago after Mr Karim received threats after choosing to convert to Christianity.

Mr Karim worked as a Security Guard in Pakistan, and Mrs Karim as a teacher. They had their first bid for asylum rejected 2 1/2 years ago, but reapplied on July 26 last year/sending their application recorded delivery to the Home office - which Mr Samuals says got lost in the system.

Mr Samuals also says in the article, "They are not economic migrants. They came here because their lives were being threatened......According to immigration officials Pakistan is deemed to be a safe country. The question is who is it safe for? ... If they go back their lives will be under threat".

Mr Samuals and his wife Sheila are launching a campaign to let the family remain in the UK. They are currently seeking legal advice to see if a judicial review can be launched.

Yesterdays 'snatch and swoop cam as the children were getting ready for school. Calvin was due to sit a school examination that day. Calvin's friends were told what had happened after they took the test, and the class teacher reports 'they were devastated'.

The family came to England from Pakistan four years ago and lived with Mrs Karim's parents. They could not work, but were active in the community and survived on money from the National Asylum Support Service.

Father Christopher Gorton, Parish Priest at Holy Savour RC Church, Nelson led the candle lit vigil - supporters packed the church hall.
Father Gorton said ..."They are a genuine family with a genuine fear for their own safety if they are forced to return to Pakistan ... They desperately wanted to work and were determined to contribute to society in this country and this is how they are treated".

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said she could not comment on individual cases.

--------------------------------------------

Holy Saviour RC/Nelson is no doubt worth approaching to see what we can do to help - re: that leaflet distribution idea. Or whatever you think would be best to help sweets. I'll bring the paper with me tonight.

Hope this helps. This is horrendous treatment of this popular Nelson family.

[Mitch]

Sweets, I've bobbed up that quick summary from the Telegraph, as not sure if you're in - so thought if I put that up more advice would come your way before the meeting tonight from Lucy.

Times obvious crucial here!

That article says they could face deportation in the next 72 hours.

What kind of government could do this to a family - I ask you.

[Mitch]

Hey Michele,

I've just rung Holy Saviour to pass on the NCADC contact details -as it was looking desperate from the Lancs Evening Telegraph report.

However there is a message on their phone from Father Chris saying that tonight at 8pm (thurs) there is a meeting at Holy Saviours to welcome back the Karim family.

This could be good news - should we pull away briefly from our meeting to go and find out more.

Speak later. cheers mitch (PS. did Dan wanna come too to this Holy Saviour's meeting?)

[michele cryer]

Hi, I've just received an email from Ann Kerrigan...LibDem Cllr. in Pendle, which says the following:

'Hello Michelle. Thank you for that. I know that they have now been released and should be back home in Pendle very soon. I spoke to Alan Davies this afternoon (The Leader of Pendle Council) and it has been agreed (so long as the family agree) that Crystal will read a letter to the Council on Thursday next week asking the Council to support her family's application to stay in Nelson. Alan Davies is happy with this and Brendan Conboy, the Head Teacher at Fisher More is going to talk to Crystal tomorrow. Crystal will obviously have a lot of support there and her friends and family will be welcome to come too.



I know of Crystal because she is a friend of my daughter. My daughter was distraught when she heard the news and rang me at work yesterday in tears. You have my personal full support and I will of course sign the petition. MEP Saj Karim's office has been very busy over the past two days helping with this.






Best Wishes



Ann

[Mitch]

Thanks for that sweets. It was an emotional night last night - a few tears from us hey! And Dan getting a hug from Crystal!

Mrs Karim's words particularly moved me - when, after being snatch, and carted off down to a detention centre in Bedfordshire (Yarlswood), and then back up to Nelson all in 24 hours, she had the strength to speak of what she had seen down there, small babies and families who had been in Yarlswood for months, and saying that we must do something to help them - she was thinking of them more even than her own ordeal.

A strong and courageous woman indeed, and a great speaker!

I look forward to seeing the photos, and to seeing what we can do further to help.

Thanks (a still emotional) Mitch xx

[michele cryer]

Hiya Mitch,

It was indeed an extremely moving meeting, lovely to see all the support that the family has got in their community too! I will post those pictures as soon as possible.

Thank you for letting me know about the meeting last night, giving us the opportunity to attend.

Just received this message from Lord Tony Greaves, thought I'd reprint it here:

'David Dean brought Pearl's father and some other people to see me on
Wednesday night. I read the initial decision on their asylum case, and
also the Immigration Appeals Tribunal decision (both long documents)
which was issued in August 2003.

>From my experience of these cases and some slight knowledge of asylum
law, and within the existing rules etc, I am clear that the decision
to refuse their asylum claim was to be expected. There are a number of
issues but a crucial one is that the alleged persecution and
harassment to which Nigel Karim (the father) was subjected was by
third parties and not by the state; that they had recourse to
protection by the state and the rule of law; and that (officially at
least) the Pakistani government and authorities are doing their best
to protect their citizens from this kind of unlawful activity.

Christians in Pakistan may dispute that they are safe but the
government's argument is that they are as safe as citizens in many
other countries.

There is also a right to family life and right to personal privacy
argument. The tribunal found that (while the family would prefer to
stay here and indeed might have a better life here) these human rights
as defined in law would not be taken away if they were sent back to
Pakistan.

It is clear that the decision to let them out yesterday was made on
the basis of the HO losing the new application submitted by their
lawyers on the basis of new evidence. They cannot be deported legally
until that new application has been considered. When it is
resubmitted, it may be dealt with quite quickly. I have seen the basis
of the new claim (further harassment by people turning up at Nigel's
mother's looking for him in a threatening way) and I have doubts that
it will get very far - it's not much different from the evidence
already rejected by the tribunal.

I therefore expect that a renewed attempt to deport them will take
place within a few weeks and certainly within a few months.

The only real chance in my view lies in a compassionate decision on
the basis of the 2½ years that it took the immigration service to come
for them after the August 2003 tribunal decision, and their
integration into this country (particularly kids education etc) since
then. Bearing in mind similar cases like the African family in Dorset,
and current Daily Mail and Sun-led hue and cry over "illegal
immigrants" etc, I would not hold out much hope - but that does not
mean it's not worth trying. At the very least it will reveal the
inhumanity and incompetence of the HO and the IND.

Tony'

[Mitch]

Thanks so much Michele for putting this up and keeping us informed.

We must see whatever we can do to help - with leafleting etc. to raise awareness/support in Nelson.

Cheers Mitch xx

[michele cryer]

You're welcome, Mitch...btw cool new avatar you got there

[michele cryer]

Sorry this has taken so long, here's a link to the pictures taken at the welcome home celebratory meeting last Thursday. Out of respect for the family we did not take close up shots of individuals being welcomed by friends and family, but these shots give an idea of the feel of the meeting and the level of support for the family.

Please let me know if you have any problems accessing the pictures, it's the first time I've posted a link to my folders at Photobucket.com.

smg.photobucket.com/albums/v381/pushka/Karim%20family%20come%20home/?sc=1&multi=1&addtype=local&media=image

[Mitch]

Cheers for those - a real sense of the community support for the Karim Family from the photos.

[michele cryer]

Did you manage to access them? Peeps on Libcom said they needed a password to view them? anyway, will post individual links if necessary...just let me know.

[Mitch]

Hee hee, it's coming up with password needed. ;D (I'm gonna strangle that grumps October when I see him next - ha ha - his girldfriend is fabo fantastico so maybe I won't strangle him for her sake!).

You know dude, I don't see any harm in us russling up a leaflet of support over the next few weeks - using some of your photos.

We need to do it with the school, and with Crystal's friend who set up the petition. Is Tina still in touch with you??

Reckon we need to arrange an appointment in the school, with our digi cameras, and put what Crystal, Dan and others want on the leaflet?

Just an idea? The leaflet needs to come from the school kids - we could help them do it?? and copy it etc.

Wot say you to talking to Dan and Tina, and arranging meet in the school??

We're going to be leafleting widely on the jumble sale anywise, so can distribute their leaflet at the same time??

Ideas anywise - not sure what is going on from other people regarding building community support - which needs doing now quickly I reckon?

Bestest Mitch x

[michele cryer]

Hi Mitch...I thought it might ask for a password...silly old photobucket.com!!

I will post the links to individual pics later today.

Great idea about publishing a leaflet with pics from the Welcome Home celebration, plus extra pics and comments from the kids at Crystal's school, and from herself...

Tina hasn't replied to my email, so perhaps I should ring her to arrange a meeting, if possible...I will speak to Dan about this too, although I think he gets a little shy with some of my suggestions at first!! ;D Will give you an update on this asap.

[Mitch]

KARIM FAMILY CAMPAIGN - NO TO DEPORTATION

Two events are planned in support of the Karim Family Campaign.

This Saturday, 4th November - 11am to 2pm - Karim Family Support Stand - Petition for Signing.
We'll be in Nelson Town Centre with the Petition and leaflets (just adjacent to Althams and the Lord Nelson Pub).
Come along and sign the petition, ALL WELCOME. Anyone wanting to help hand out leaflets etc. come along by all means. Any assistance welcome.

Also

PUBLIC MEETING - IN SUPPORT OF THE KARIM FAMILY
THURSDAY, 9TH NOVEMBER 2006, AT CHRIST CHURCH, CARR ROAD, NELSON, COMMENCING 6PM.
Speakers include Pearl Karim and the Karim Family, plus Father Chris from Holy Saviours.

If you can't make either of these dates for signing the petition, we are hoping to place petition sheets at Christ Church as of tomorrow (Friday 3rd) so you can sign it here, or if you haven't already sign the online petition to be found here:
www.holysaviour.org.uk

Thank you for any support you can give.




www.pendletoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=8&ArticleID=1844520

[octoberlost]

Hey ladies, long time no see.
I saw the article when I was over the other week, I hope everything is positive and all, but I note the local rags have a soft spot for christian immigrants.
Anyway have guys posted a summary on libcom?

Ive been real busy and it would be cool to catch up.

[Mitch]

octoberlost said:

Hey ladies, long time no see.
I saw the article when I was over the other week, I hope everything is positive and all, but I note the local rags have a soft spot for christian immigrants.
Anyway have guys posted a summary on libcom?

Ive been real busy and it would be cool to catch up.

Hey up, it's not really any particular focus from the local press, it's more to do with the very strong support networks in some of the churches here in Nelson. They have a campaigning spirit. Other groups such as the school have also been very proactive - they have maintained good contact with the local press. I think we're quite lucky in Nelson with the Nelson Leader, as generally speaking they are a supportive paper for all community campaigns - they've given good support on Mast campaigns I've been involved in locally.

The main thing is to do everything we possibly can to build the campaign locally to keep the family here - that is all we are thinking about and focusing on at the moment - and that means working with as many groups and individuals as possible - focusing on the issue and practical support.

Good to hear from, and about your good work over in Preston.

see you soon. cheery cheers Mitch

[michele cryer]

Hi Octoberlost, thanks for posting. It's great to hear from you again and I hope you're well. My stance on this issue just mirrors what Mitch has written in her reply. Obviously we would be in favour of supporting any asylum seekers that asked for our help, regardless of whether or not they were christian

[Mitch]

Quick report on Saturday - an excellent stand - about 330 people signed the Petition, and several people came to help on the stand (many thanks to all who came). Both Nigel and Pearl Karim were at the stand to talk to people.

Both the Nelson Leader and Lancashire Evening Telegraph came to the stand and took photos, so watch for the Nelson Leader on Tuesday, and possibly the Lancs Telegraph today (I'll pick up a copy this evening Michele).

Many other groups - including churches and community groups have the petition - which will all be brought together on Thursday evening at the public meeting - 6pm, Christ Church, Carr Road Nelson.

Do come along to the public meeting in support of the Karim Family if you can make it.

[michele cryer]

Hi Mitch,

Thanks for posting about the stand on Saturday...I thought it was great fun and loved getting all those signatures. The support for the Karim family is phenomenal and I do hope that this petition and the letters to the Home Office and Gordon Prentice do help them to have a change of heart about the family remaining in the UK.

Many thanks to all who participated at the stall on Saturday, and to all who signed the petition and took posters for the Public Meeting!! ;D

[Mitch]

Hi Sweets,

If I get time today I'll chase up the churches we deposited petition at on Saturday afternoon - see how their fixed for pick up.

Give us a ring if you like today when you've a mo.

Cheery cheers Mitch x

[michele cryer]

Thanks Mitch..will do!!

[Mitch]

www.pendletoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=8&ArticleID=1857040

Latest article from the Pendle Today - report on Council Meeting last Thursday

[michele cryer]

Great article Mitch...what a wassack that BNP councillor was...showing his true colours there eh? Well done to the other councillors for their full support of the Karims' and for councillor Mohammed Iqbal for standing up to Brian Parker's ignorance on the situation in Pakistan!!

[michele cryer]

Here's the latest from the Lancs Evening Telegraph:

www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.1007407.0.family_takes_to_the_streets_in_asylum_bid.php