Campaigners for Thobile Gwebu, the Swaziland pro-democracy activist about to be deported from the UK are calling on supporters to protest to the government and to the airline Virgin Atlantic that will fly her out of the country.
Gwebu is the co-ordinator of the Swaziland Vigil which has been campaigning every Saturday for human rights in Swaziland outside the Swaziland High Commission in London since January.
She is due to be put on a plane in London for South Africa on Tuesday 17 August at 20.30 local time.
Supporters strongly believe that Gwebu will be at considerable risk if returned to Swaziland, ruled by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch.
The Swazi state has been terrorising opposition in Swaziland and in May 2010 democracy activist Sipho Jele died while in custody, sparking fears that he was murdered. An inquest into his death was opened but has been adjourned indefinitely.
Zimbabwe Vigil, one of the main groups supporting Gwebu,has issued this guide on how people can help.
Phone, fax or email the following, explaining that sending Thobile Gwebu back to Swaziland will put her at considerable risk because she will be known as a pro-democracy activist to the authorities there – a country of extreme repression. Sending her back will be a serious breach of human rights. Put pressure on the airline to refuse to take her.
You will need to include her full name: Thobile Phyllis Gwebu and Home Offfice Reference: G1151098.
1. Virgin Atlantic:
Flight Information: 0844 209 7770 (Open 24 hours/day)
Head Office: 0844 811 0000
Advanced Passenger Information: 0844 209 8703
Fax: 0844 209 8708
(UK country code 44)
customer.services@fly.virgin.com
2. Eaton House, UK Border Agency
Tel 020 8814 5144 Fax 020 8814 5143
(UK country code 44)
3. The Home Secretary
Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office
3rd Floor, Peel Buildings
2 Marsham St
London SW1 4DF
Fax: 020 8760 3132, 020 7035 4745
(UK country code 44)
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