Since our last publication about the situation ( here), nothing new for the persons concerned with ‘double penalties’. They are the same ‘double penalties’ who are waiting, but they no longer know what they are waiting for. They are being displaced from centre to centre according to the pandemic situation in the centres. The Bruges closed centre was closed, most of the staff having been tested positive and quarantined. See testimonies here: The 14 detainees of Bruges were transferred to Merksplas or to 127bis, to find themselves back again in Bruges after one week. A nice bunch of friends who have been living this tyranny for months now.
They are currently extremely stressed and tired, and they sent us this message on 3 February 2021:
” There have been works for one week, one wing was transferred to another one. We are ten people with less access to the bathroom. One must ask the authorisation to go to the bathroom. On this day, we will be transferred to the other side for the day and come back here for the night. We’ve had enough of this, we want to speak with the management, ask for a transfer, refuse to leave the wing.’
Three of the long lasting ‘double penalties’ prisoners were deported with escort on a private jet to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the only non-European country which seems to accept deportations at the moment. One could question themselves on (secret) agreements between Belgium and their former colony DRC: Appeal here
New arrests
Contrariwise, there are much more entries and exits within the centres. Undocumented people from Eastern Europe are being arrested, generally on the street, and detained, and after several days, very often without being given the chance to warn a lawyer or to make an appeal against their arrest, are being deported by plane to their countries of origin (Albania, Serbia, Romania, etc.).
Another change: we notice more detentions of undocumented and/or migrants in transit arrested in cities, train stations, at home because they are undocumented.
As an example, a detainee tells us on 8 February 2021 that in one of the blocks in Merksplas, in a few days’ time they were 20 instead of 10 persons and 2 instead of 3 per room. WITHOUT MASKS! They are extremely worried.
Are we going back to mass arrests of undocumented and migrating people?
Since the situation is not going to improve, we are launching a call for support to get their testimonies in order to support them in their fights within the closed centres.
Stopdeportations
No to closed centres
And twoo separate calls
SUPPORT THE FIGHTS against closed centres and borders
The fights against closed centres, deportations and borders (distribution of leaflets, posting, publications, events, logistics, various actions, prevention of repression) require energy as well as financial resources.
Interested in supporting us financially? Donate, or even better, set up a standing order to :
Collectif Contre Les Expulsions
Banque Triodos: BE 13 523045586439
Communication: Soutien aux luttes
Spread the message around you! Thank you!
PHONE RECHARGES needed for the retainees in closed centres
We receive loads of requests for phone recharges from people retained in closed centres. Very often, their phone is the only way to contact the outside, be it their family, friends, lawyer, or to publicly inform on their situation.
Whether their arrest took place on their migratory journey, in their home, whether their families and friends are here or in their home country, it is crucial for them to be able to warn and communicate with them. Without your support, they would be many incapable of doing so.
You may support these detainees by buying a 10 euros Lycamobile recharge from your grocery, night shop or bookshop. Send us the pin code written on the recharge by email at gettingthevoiceout@riseup.net or by SMS on 0032(0)484026781. We will then send the code to the detainees who asked for it. If it is easier for you, you may also pay, or even better set up a standing order of 5, 10, 20 euros or more on the bank account especially created for that purpose :
Collectif Contre Les Expulsions
Banque Triodos BE58 5230 8016 1279 BIC: TRIOBEBB
Communication: Lyca
Spread the message around you! Thank you!
