Hunger-Strike Day 8: Still ‘starved of information’

national | racism & migration related issues | news report Thursday April 21, 2005 00:15 by veeg

Promises made yesterday by the Department of Justice turned to dust this morning as confusion continued at two Dublin city-centre asylum-seeker hostels which have been the focus of hunger-strike protests for the last week.

A group of Nigerian men began refusing food after the introduction of twice daily signing-on procedures, fearing them to be a precursor to deportation. Campaign group Residents Against Racism described the men’s situation as ‘virtual house arrest’.

Yesterday, following a demonstration at the Dail, the Department of Justice gave assurances to Labour TD Joe Costello that there would be a return to once daily signing on and that notices would be posted at the hostels to that effect. No such notices have appeared and whilst officers from the Garda National Immigration Bureau have now advised most residents of a single 5pm signing, at least ten of the men continue to face a requirement to sign on morning and evening. Those affected have therefore maintained their refusal of food.

This evening, the men once again highlighted the lack of information and lack of consistency which they continue to face from GNIB officials. One of the hunger-strikers explained: “We are being starved of information. That is the most pathetic part of it. That’s why people began refusing food. I’m feeling weak and tired but we need someone to speak to us.”