Man at UK immigration detention center abused by guards

A man from Cameroon named Penda Youdjeu is claiming he was assaulted by seven guards who were working for the UK Border Agency.  Youdjeu came to Britain and wanted to enlist with the Royal Navy in 2005.  After briefly traveling to Sweden Youdjeu returned to Britain where he was arrested for carrying documents that were false and was place into an immigration detention center.  It was at the detention center that Youdjeu claims he was attacked by the guards.

Youdjeu described the attack: "They had already told my room-mate to leave. I was talking on my mobile to another friend and they told me to put the phone down. There were seven of them, all wearing armor and shields. They told me I had to go and they pushed me against the wall, then kicked my legs from under me so that I hit the floor and banged my head.

Youdjeu added that "I was screaming at them, 'Don't break my arms, I came here because I was invited by the Navy. I am not a criminal. I have never stolen anything or done anything wrong. Why are you treating me like a terrorist?  Each one of them had a part of my body and was doing something to it. Then they bundled me up and carried me down the stairs so my body was bent double."

A UK Border Agency spokesperson said that Detention and removal is an essential part of effective immigration controls, but it is vital that it is done with humanity and dignity and we are committed to ensuring this is the case."

www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk