1) Comments from three supporters 2) Conference de Presse 3) 100+ supporters and Chaotic Insurrection Ensemble march into Montreal's underground shopping network
charlieo, ckut news collective
On 1 January 2006, almost two years ago, Abelkader Belaouni, or Kader, a non-status Algerian man, took refuge in St. Gabriel's church in Montreal to avoid deportation from Canada. Despite an outpouring of support, he has remained a prisoner in the church ever since, unable to leave for fear of being arrested and deported. That's two years too many! The Canadian Immigration Minister to Act NOW to regularize the status of Abdelkader Belaouni.
::::::MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FOR KADER:::::
Voices of Pain and Hope Within Sanctuary: Messages of Support for Kader Leading up to the National Day of Action in support of blind Algerian refugee Abdelkader Belaouni who has been living in church sanctuary in Montreal since 1 January 2006, Amir Kazemian and Laibar Singh offer their words of strength and solidarity to Kader. As migrant justice activists, we draw inspiration and courage from the powerful voices and alliances of migrants themselves.
* From Laibar Singh, in sanctuary at the Surrey Guru Nanak Gurudwara. Laibar Singh along with thousands of supporters have been engaged in an incredibly public struggle- including the unprecedented physical prevention of his deportation on International Human Rights Day- to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Most recently, Stockwell Day has made comments suggesting that a removal order will continue to be enforced against Laibar Singh, regardless of his protection in sanctuary, which has alarmed and outarged supporters and refugee rights advocates across the country who call on Stockwell Day and CBSA for equal respect of sanctuary.
"I feel very sorry that we are both struggling with status in this country with our physical disabilities. I cannot imagine how hard it is not to see. I can see, but unfortunately can't feed myself or do any basic task by myself. You are struggling like I am. I can't understand how upset you must be having to spend that much time in one place (in sanctuary). I hope the Canadian government hears both of our voices. The Canadian government says it raises its voice for the less fortunate around the world but if it can't see us who can it see? It is great that the people are supporting you there like people are supporting me here, because it is what keeps me strong. I thank that you for the kind words you wrote in support of me, and would like you to know that I fully support your efforts to stay here with permanent status."
* From Amir Kazemian, an Iranian refugee who was in sanctuary June 2004-Feb 2007 at the Anglican St. Michael's, Vancouver. In a manner that reveals the arbitrariness of the current refugee determination system, Amir's mother was accepted as a refugee on the basis of the persecution Amir faced, while Amir was forced into sanctuary. Amir remained in sanctuary for 2 years and 8 months, until he was arrested and detained by the Vancouver City Police on February 17, 2007 (who came to the church investigating a break-in and ended up arresting Amir). Amir's release from custody and the acceptance of his H and C application the very next day is a direct result of all the work and support that hundreds of people have demonstrated for him.
"I have been thinking about all of the people in sanctuary. I hope that people will get the same result that I had and people should not have to go through this what they are going through. Kader, my friend, I am very proud and I will always pray for you, that you will be free as soon as possible."
- Statements provided to No One Is Illegal Vancouver, January 16th 2008.
:::::CALL IN MONTH:::::
Call or fax the Minister of Immigration, Diane Finley, to let her know that the Canadian government should act swiftly to accord Mr. Belaouni permanent resident status.
Guide for support letters and talking points: www.soutienpourkader.net/template.html.
Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Email: FinleyD@parl.gc.ca and finled0@parl.gc.ca and minister@cic.gc.ca In Ottawa: Fax : (613) 996-9749 Tel: (613) 954-1064 or Tel. : (613) 996-4974 In Simcoe: Telephone: (519) 426-3400 Fax: (519) 426-0003
---------------------- More information: www.soutienpourkader.net tel 514 848 7583 soutienkader@gmail.com
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