Doolan visits hunger strikes & demands McDowell does the same
Published: 15 May, 2006
Sinn Féin's Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has this morning visited the 33 Afghani hunger strikers in St Patrick's Cathedral and has demanded, "Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to do the same."
Speaking from St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin, Cllr. Doolan said:
"I am here this morning to lend my support to these people who are on hunger strike. I believe it to be a terrible injustice when people feel they have no other option but to fast to the death to have their voices heard. The demands are reasonable, simply to be told why they are being deported to a country where they face certain death.
What sort of system do we have when people who still carry the scars and injuries of abuse are forced back into the hands of their abusers. It clearly shows the need for immediate reform of our immigration policy, the Justice department's procedures lie in tatters this morning and we are left in a situation where 33 people seek sanctuary in a Cathedral and are fasting to the death.
I must also compliment Rev Robert McCarthy for having the humanity in accommodating these people. I can only hope our Minister for Justice can somehow rediscover his humanity and meet with these Afghanis seeking asylum here in Ireland."
In conclusion Cllr. Doolan demanded, "Minister McDowell to come to St Patrick's Cathedral as a matter urgency and engage with these people before the situation deteriorates."
|
