Press Statement on Behalf of the Aghan Hunger Strikers

national | racism & migration related issues | press release Wednesday May 31, 2006 21:27 by Saoririseoir for Integrating Ireland

Issued through Integrating Ireland on May 24th 2006.

Statement made by Samander Khan Oriyakhal on behalf of the Afghan asylum seeker hunger strikers.

“First of all I thank God that the protest ended peacefully and that no harm came to any person.

On behalf of the hunger strikers, I would like to thank the staff of St Patrick’s Cathedral, the fathers, NGO’s, members of the public including doctors, school students, TD’s and senior Garda officials who were supportive throughout our hunger strike.

I would also like to thank officials from the Department of Justice who we hope and believe have finally listened to our serious issues and concerns regarding our asylum claims and the asylum system. We hope that our voices
will be heard and that we will get fair and just attention not only for our asylum claims but for all asylum seekers. We want to truly contribute
and become part of Irish society.

During our protest we were saddened that certain sections of the media misrepresented our protest in a negative and damaging way and I feel sorry
for this.

On behalf of all the hunger strikers thank you for your continued support.”

Samander Khan Oriyakhal, spokesperson and member of the Afghan hunger strikers.

Further details:

Integrating Ireland

Tel:01 4783490
Fax:01 4783738
Email: info@integratingireland.ie
Web: www.integratingireland.ie

Statement passed on by Near FM 101.6.