I don't know which statute applies but I'm 100% sure my editor is not the sort of stuff you read in the Mail on days of misguidance. I'll get writing for him!
PRESS RELEASE
From a group of concerned students and academics at the University of Nottingham.
For immediate use, 24/05/08 SATURDAY
Nottingham University Detainee Innocent But Still Facing Deportation
Hicham Yezza, a popular, respected and valued former PhD student and current employee of the University of Nottingham faces deportation to Algeria on Sunday 1st June. This follows his unjust arrest under the Terrorism Act 2000 on Wednesday 14th May alongside Rizwaan Sabir and their release without charge six days later.
On his release Hicham was re-arrested under immigration legislation and, due to confusion over his visa documentation, charged with offences relating to his immigration status. He sought legal advice and representation over these matters whilst in custody. On Friday 23rd
May, he was suddenly served with a deportation notice and moved to an
immigration detention centre. The deportation is being urgently appealed.
Hicham has been resident in the U.K. for 13 years, during which time he has studied for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Nottingham. He is an active member of debating societies, a prominent member of an arts and theatre group, and has been writing editorials for the Student Peace Movement magazine for the last five years. He is well known and popular on campus amongst the university community and has established himself as a voracious reader and an authority on literature and music. An application for British citizenship was underway, and he had been planning to make his yearly trip to Wales for the Hay Festival when he was suddenly arrested.
Hicham has said 'I thank everyone for their support - it's been extremely heartening and humbling. I'm grateful to everyone who has come to my aid and stood with me in solidarity, from students to Members of Parliament. I think this really reflects the spirit of the generous, inclusive Britain we know - and not the faceless, brutal, draconian tactics of the Home Office.'
Alf Nilsen, a research fellow at in the school of Politics
and International Relations says 'Hicham is
entirely innocent and the rushed and heavy-handed way in which the authorities are dealing with this matter is outrageous.'
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