NUJ looks to save member from deportation to Cameroon
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has begun to campaign for Glasgow-based member and asylum seeker, Charles Atangana, who faces deportation to Cameroon.
The NUJ has described Atangana as ‘a well respected journalist on economic and current affairs’, who was forced to flee Cameroon following harassment, detention by the governing regime and continued threats against his family who remain in the country.
While in Glasgow he has work at the Citizens Advice Bureau in the east end of the city as a volunteer, and the Maryhill Integration Network promotion integration between local people, asylum seekers, refugees and other communities living within the area.
A legal challenge is now being prepared by the NUJ against the home office who originally accepted a last-minute order to prevent his forcible repatriation to Cameroon, but has now been service with a further deportation order. This will allow the UK Borders Agency to report Atangana on 2 August. He is currently being detained at the Colnbrook Home Office detention centre outside of London.
The NUJ has said in its challenge that it believes that the order is based on an incomplete appeals procedure and that it has no taken into account the substantial changes in circumstances in Cameron. It also said that no compassion has been shown to Atangana in respect to the contribution he has made to both the NUJ network and to the communities of Glasgow.
“Charles belongs to Glasgow. We want him back home,” said Peter Murray, president of the NUJ who has asked people to contact their elected representatives to highlight this case.