Deportation successfully stopped
After 12 years in the UK, Bristol resident Abdul Huq Moughane was due to be deported from London to Morocco on Monday 31st January.
Moughane left Morocco after having been imprisoned, tortured and falsely accused of writing graffiti insulting the King in 1994. He had been imprisoned for eight months, had electric shocks in his head, and screws attached to him so that every time he moved they dug deeper into his body. He still has the scars.
On contemplating his return, his face contorted with fear, he says, ‘if I thought I would face a short time of torture, I could manage, I have come through that before. But if they hear I tried to claim asylum abroad, I will never see the sun again’.
After 12 years in the UK, Moughane has a wide circle of friends and supporters.
‘I will do all I can to prevent Moughane being snatched from us, he is like part of our family’, says Louisa Maynard, 29 year old drama therapist.
‘My 3 year old son always looks forward to playing with Moughane. When I try to explain where Moughane is, my son asks ‘but why?’ There is no answer I can give’, says Rebecca Yeo, 44 year old researcher.
Six Bristolians travelled to Heathrow to speak to passengers scheduled on the same flight as Moughane. Passengers were overwhelmingly supportive, many agreeing to talk to the crew and to refuse to fly with Moughane on board.
Other supporters were ringing the airline, contacting MPs, looking for solicitors, and demonstrating support at College Green.
Despite all these efforts Moughane was taken onto the plane. He began shouting for help, struggling in his handcuffs, severely injuring his arm.
At last, just moments before take off, the pilot announced he would not carry Moughane. He was taken off the plane and back to the detention centre.
The threat of deportation has not gone. He has been told he will be removed same time next week. Friends and supporters are working round the clock to find him legal help and prevent the removal.
Moughane left Morocco after having been imprisoned for eight months, and accused of writing graffiti insulting the King in 1994.
On contemplating his return, his face contorted with fear, he says, ‘if I thought I would face a short time of torture, I could manage, I have come through that before. But when they hear I tried to claim asylum abroad, I would never see the sun again’.
Moughane’s parents died in 2000, and he was unable to see them before they died. His brother committed suicide in Morocco in 2010. He is no longer in contact with any friends or family in Morocco.
After 13 years in the UK, Moughane has a wide circle of friends and supporters of all ages and backgrounds.