Menu
21/12/2007
Paisley Backs Asylum Call
The Assembly First Minister has backed attempts by a Congolese man to remain in Northern Ireland.
Paul Kazadi M'Wepu has claimed he will face certain death if his family is deported back to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo.
His final appeal is in the hands of the Home Secretary and if rejected he could be sent back within days. The family hopes that the Rev Ian Paisley's support for their campaign will pressurise Jacqui Smith into reconsidering the deportation.
Paul Kazadi M'Wepu said: "Every night I have nightmares because they can come any time and pick me up. I really live in constant fear..."
Mr Kazadi said an appeal was his final chance.
"If I am sent back to the Congo I will be put in prison and killed. I don't have any more appeals... this is my last hope," he insisted.
Mr Kazadi said he and his wife, Arleth, were accused of being political dissidents in Congo, imprisoned and tortured.
He alleged they were separated from each other and suffered physical and mental torture before they managed to escape.
The couple fled through Tanzania, to London, and settled in south Belfast in June 2005.
Mr Paisley acknowledged the distress the family was under.
"Mr and Mrs Kazadi are in real fear of being sent back to the Democratic Republic of Congo and I would appeal to the Immigration Services to reconsider this case, apply some common sense and grant permission for the family to stay here as soon as possible," he said.
Mr Kazadi was granted a work permit and worked on the ferry between Belfast and Stranraer.
The family are active members of an Elim Pentecostal Church and Mr Kazadi was baptised as a Christian there in October last year. In December 2005 they had a daughter, Benita, born in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Mrs Kazadi is three months pregnant.
"I have great happiness for Belfast. I've made a lot of friends here and this is really my home place," Mr Kazadi said.
Amnesty and the South Belfast MLA, Anna Lo, asked for the Government to show compassion and release them for Christmas.
(BMcC)
Paul Kazadi M'Wepu has claimed he will face certain death if his family is deported back to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo.
His final appeal is in the hands of the Home Secretary and if rejected he could be sent back within days. The family hopes that the Rev Ian Paisley's support for their campaign will pressurise Jacqui Smith into reconsidering the deportation.
Paul Kazadi M'Wepu said: "Every night I have nightmares because they can come any time and pick me up. I really live in constant fear..."
Mr Kazadi said an appeal was his final chance.
"If I am sent back to the Congo I will be put in prison and killed. I don't have any more appeals... this is my last hope," he insisted.
Mr Kazadi said he and his wife, Arleth, were accused of being political dissidents in Congo, imprisoned and tortured.
He alleged they were separated from each other and suffered physical and mental torture before they managed to escape.
The couple fled through Tanzania, to London, and settled in south Belfast in June 2005.
Mr Paisley acknowledged the distress the family was under.
"Mr and Mrs Kazadi are in real fear of being sent back to the Democratic Republic of Congo and I would appeal to the Immigration Services to reconsider this case, apply some common sense and grant permission for the family to stay here as soon as possible," he said.
Mr Kazadi was granted a work permit and worked on the ferry between Belfast and Stranraer.
The family are active members of an Elim Pentecostal Church and Mr Kazadi was baptised as a Christian there in October last year. In December 2005 they had a daughter, Benita, born in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Mrs Kazadi is three months pregnant.
"I have great happiness for Belfast. I've made a lot of friends here and this is really my home place," Mr Kazadi said.
Amnesty and the South Belfast MLA, Anna Lo, asked for the Government to show compassion and release them for Christmas.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
21 November 2024
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
24 November 2020
Lord Mayor Backs Christmas Family Appeal
Belfast's Lord Mayor Alderman Frank McCoubrey has backed a Christmas Family Appeal by the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul with Education Authority.
Lord Mayor Backs Christmas Family Appeal
Belfast's Lord Mayor Alderman Frank McCoubrey has backed a Christmas Family Appeal by the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul with Education Authority.
11 December 2008
PM Backs Backs Libya Terror Compensation Bid
Number 10 has changed tack on a vital issue affecting victims of The Troubles. Prime Minister, Gordon Brown (pictured) has performed what is being seen as a U-turn and indicated he will - after all - throw UK diplomatic power behind Ulster's IRA victims in their search for compensation from Libya.
PM Backs Backs Libya Terror Compensation Bid
Number 10 has changed tack on a vital issue affecting victims of The Troubles. Prime Minister, Gordon Brown (pictured) has performed what is being seen as a U-turn and indicated he will - after all - throw UK diplomatic power behind Ulster's IRA victims in their search for compensation from Libya.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
