on Sea? HASLAR prison in Gosport is one of several new 'detention centres' for asylum seekers, the best known of which is at Campsfield, Oxfordshire.
It is being used to hold more than 100 migrants - mainly refugees fleeing brutal regimes. None of these people have committed crimes, yet they are imprisoned without trial, with very little access to ouside support.
Saturday 28 January saw the campaign to free the Hasiar detainees hold its first public demonstration. Portsmouth Trades Council has set up the campaign in order to fight this disgrace.
Last week the Home Office obtained an exclusion order allowing the police to herd protestors onto a small piece of grass, some distance from the prison entrance. This scene epitomises what the racist laws of the new 'Fortress Europe' are all about. In apparent coordination with Israeli intelligence, the British authorities have arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act several Palestinians who have lived for many years in London.
Although most have been released without charge, two -Nadia Zekra and Jawad Botmeh - have been charged with conspiracy to cause explosions. The evidence presented against them is entirely circumstantial.
Police continue to harass Palestinians living in London, man of whom have been interrogated abour the explosions, and about their political views.
Police have also contacted employers seeking information about Palestinian workers. This harassment has been supported by the racism of the gutter press towards Arabs, Middle Easterners, and Muslims.
There have been many previous attacks on the rights of Arabs in Britain.
During the 1991 Gulf War, dozens of Palestinians and Iraqis were held in prison and threatened with deportation. Algerian refugees are among the scores of alleged illegal immigrants' held at Campsfield and other detention centres, while dissidents from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are currently threatened with deportation after pressure on the British government from these regimes.
In response to this harassment, a new campaign has been established. Called Action for the Rights of Arabs in Britain, it aimsto oppose and publicise the criminalisation of Arabs, to support the victims of such victimisation and their families, and to ensure their freedom of speech.
It plans to issue a Rights Guide in Arabic and English, to expose the use of immigration and security laws against political refugees, and to organise a 'Hotline' of lawyers who will offer support. • Members of the campaign will picket Bow Street Magistrates Court at the next remand hearing for Jawad and Nadia - 10.30 am, Thursday 16 February. Further information from Action for the Rights of Arabs in Britain, 25 Horsell Road, London N5. and fascism in Wales.
This will send a clear message - what happened to Mohan Kullar must never be allowed to happen again. NO Protest against visit to London of Italian fascist leader Gianfranco Fini WEDS FEB 15 4.30pm Chatham House St James Square, London SWI
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No.77. 11 February 1995, Page 3