In The Press

Public law and immigration director, Toufique Hossain has featured in the short film ‘Stansted Fifteen on Trial’ which has been created by UK feature film director, writer and composer Sue Clayton. The film documents the story of 15 individuals who staged a peaceful protest at Stansted airport in March 2017 to contest a flight carrying people facing deportation and extreme danger on return to their home countries. Following a 9 week trial which began in October 2018, the 15 protestors were found guilty of a terrorism offence under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act, for which the maximum penalty is life imprisonment, despite the fact that they did what they did to save lives, not endanger them. They await sentencing which is expected in February. Speaking about Mercy*, who was due to be removed to Nigeria the day of the protest, Toufique says “…thanks to the Stansted 15 and because of their actions she was not removed to what would be a potentially life threatening [situation].” He also comments on how the UK’s current immigration policies are limiting access to justice, “if those very desperate individuals can’t access justice, they can’t get lawyers because of the hostile environment and everything the hostile environment has done in reducing legal aid, reducing appeal rights and reducing the ability to access lawyers, then you will see people who want to help, who want to intervene and stop these people from effectively being returned to torture and to death. They will intervene in ways where lawyers can no longer assist.” *Please note her real name has been replaced to protect her identity.