"I have got a bit of good news from my sister," wrote his brother-in-law to EveryOne Group. "I just got a text message from my sister Ruth, about half an hour ago, informing me that Michael has been released under the agreement that he would voluntarily leave the country [Sweden] and go to another country. Michael is on his way to join his family in Stockholm. Although this might not be the best solution, it is a solution that he and my sister are willing to consider. I am so happy for them, they themselves are happy and I am sure you will be happy with this news. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heart-felt gratitude for all your efforts. May God bless you more and more!"
EveryOne Group and the NGOs engaged in this difficult campaign share the happiness of the Eritrean family, but still believe the decision taken by the Swedish authorities is unfair. Michael has a daughter and his wife is pregnant. Driving them out of Sweden means exposing them to a new humanitarian crisis. Where will they go? Which country, in accordance with the international conventions, will take them in, and what will happen to them in the future? Sweden has once again shown itself to be hostile towards African refugees and is violating the rights of the Bahr family, which is only asking - after a great deal of suffering - to remain together and live in peace. What future is offered to Michael Bahre’s children? EveryOne Group has immediately alerted the Italian representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, asking them to find a humanitarian solution that will allow Michael Bahr and his loved ones to receive hospitality and protection in order to help him build a new life in a civilized country.
Michael Bahre arrived in Sweden in 2005 on a marriage visa - a marriage that fell apart before his papers expired. Five months later he put in an application for asylum, but it was turned down and he was told to leave Sweden in 2007.
He immediately appealed, but in 2008 he was denied the permit for the second time, and had an expulsion order served to him. He didn't leave, however, and has been trying to find another solution. In August 2010 he married Mrs. Ruth Team Foto. They have a baby girl, Ezabella Michael Bahre, and a second child is due in three months' time. His pregnant wife is now on her own trying to take care of herself and their young daughter.
Michael was detained for 2 months again in April 2011, and then released with an agreement to report to the police station every other day. On October 31st, 2011 the Swedish authorities detained him for good. They attempted to deport him back to Eritrea, but were unable to, because he protested in an aggressive fashion. He has been in the detention centre for the last three months. A letter has been sent to the European Court on his behalf in an attempt to block the deportation, but so far without success. Only the recent international campaign, however, was able to stop the deportation and restore freedom to Michael Bahre.
Picture: the UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres with Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy in the Swedish government
No comments:
Post a Comment