Riot at Campsfield

Saturday, 14th: just after lunchtime today, Amdani ‘phoned friends with news of a riot and fire at Campsfield House IRC. Amdani is OK. But supporters were extremely anxious for about half an hour as the crackling of flames could be heard over the ‘phone, Amdani said the fire was about 50 metres away from him and there was no sign of the Fire Brigade. Then in the next call, the Fire Brigade had turned up, and he was safely outside, having narrowly escaped a broken leg. The police had moved Amdani with others between two fences and football was being played (probably not with the police, because their riot shields would have got in the way). At around 6.45pm, Amdani was still outside, and thought they would all be dispersed, but as yet, he doesn’t know where he’s going to end up; there is concern that this could interfere with his bail hearing, scheduled for Monday.

This is the second time Amdani has been in Campsfield since his detention on May 30. He was taken there after being detained at Loughborough Reporting Centre. After his initial stay in Campsfield he was moved to Lindholme near Doncaster and then down to Colnbrook, near Heathrow (this was to facilitate his deportation scheduled for June 10). He was moved back to Campsfield shortly after his deportation was postponed, but informed after his arrival that he would back to Colnbrook very soon. Despite expecting to be moved he is still there today.

For more on the situation at Campsfield, check out Indymedia UK or watch the video on the BBC.