Petition presented in support of Roma asylum-seekers
A delegation from the County Monaghan Roma Support Group this week
presented a petition of over 1500 signatures from County Monaghan
urging the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform John
O'Donoghue to favourably respond to pleas for father and son Demian
and Valentin Anghel to be allowed to stay in Ireland.
The delegation accompanied by Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O CaolaXIin met
on Tuesday with senior officials of the Department of Justice,
Equality and Law Reform in a further appeal on behalf of Roma
refugees who have been denied asylum in Ireland.
Unlike a number of the Roma families currently living in
Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan - including some who are related to them
- Demian and Valentin have had their appeals against deportation
rejected.
The County Monaghan Roma Support Group delegation consisted of Julie
Ann McPartland, Eileen Callan and Brendan Sherlock. This same
delegation met with An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Government Buildings
on 23 December 1998.
Calling for asylum to be granted Caoimhghin O Caolain TD said:
``I share the dismay and disbelief of many people throughout County
Monaghan at the decision not to grant asylum to Demian and Valentin
Anghel. This father and son have endured persecution in Romania and
have real fears that they will suffer further if deported.''
Support Group spokesperson Julie-Ann McPartland said:
``The persecution Demian Anghel in Romanaia consisted of
ill-treatment and beatings by police, illegal detention and
persistent racist harassment by non-Roma people. In addition to
experiencing this direct persecution Demian Anghel has survived the
death in 1990 of his brother Stephan who was killed by police.
Ill-treatment continued throughout the following years with Demian's
six children unable to attend school because of racially-motivated
harassment. In May 1998 Demian Anghel's wife Maria was raped by
Romanian police. She was pregnant and miscarried after the assault.
``Roma families who have had similar experiences have been granted
asylum yet Demian and Valentin have been denied. Demian's sister and
her family are being allowed to stay. We are appealing to the
Minister to show justice and compassion.''
Deputy O Caolain, who organised the meeting with Department
officials, said he was ``hopeful of a positive outcome''.
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