DE-TENSION CENTRE

On 28th November, activists and supporters arrived at Campfield Immigration Detention Centre in Kidlington to continue the campaign to close the prison and end immigration detention as the Centre reached its shameful 16th anniversary.

Throughout its history detainees have campaigned tirelessly for release with letters, rooftop protests, and hunger strikes - and their efforts have been matched by activity on the outside. Every last Saturday of the month activists meet to protest and demonstrate their solidarity with those on the inside.

This time, No Borders, Barbed Wire Britain, Campaign To Close Campsfield and the odd MP made speeches about the work they are doing outside the prison and an impassioned speech was also made by a migrant who saw his friends kidnapped by the authorities. The most moving images of the day remain the hands waving at the windows from inside the Centre, an indication that the demo meant something at least to those imprisoned inside. All are urged to join the monthly demos against the cruelty of racist policies and institutions like Campsfield.

* See www.closecampsfield.org.uk and www.barbedwirebritain.org