Thirteen Gambians have been rounded up in Italy, according to the Gambia Refugees Association -Europe Branch.
“At least 13 Gambian asylum seekers in Cagliari (Italy) were on 9th February 2021 arrested and taken to the Uta prison for questioning following the unexpected raid on them. The clampdown on the Gambian asylum seekers by Italian police in collaboration with Gambian Immigration officers is unacceptable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” the group said in a press release.
The group also said in its press release: “According to information from Italian police published in their website, the victims were called for identification and some of them are being targetted for deportation anytime soon.
“Information reaching our association indicates that most of those who were arrested had their documents stamped with a Red stamp and that they might be deported anytime soon although they have been released from custody.
“This action by the officers is uncalled for and the Gambia Refugees Association- Europe Branch has strongly condemned it.
“We are calling on the Gambia Government to stop sending Immigration officers to countries like Italy, Switzerland and Germany for identification of Gambians to be deported. This is not what we expect from our government. Our brothers and sisters in Italy, just like those in other countries in Europe and the entire Diaspora, deserve protection, support, guidance and encouragement for a better future.”
