Visiting lecturer sues immigration for wrongful detention

The UK government is being sued for wrongful arrest following the bizarre case of a university lecturer from Congo, who was placed in detention whilst on holiday in the UK. 51-year-old Jean-Pierre Djimbonge has claimed that the only reason he was arrested is that he is black. Djimbonge was detained as he left a flight to Northern Ireland and then moved to five different detention centers across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the space of 2 weeks before his release.

Djimbonge, a lecturer in thermo-dynamics and hydraulics feels he was a victim of a witch-hunt at airports by officials who seem solely focused on non-whites. He was finally released last week after managing to make contact with legal representatives to argue his case. At the time of his arrest Djimbonge had all the necessary documents to allow him to enjoy his British holiday. In addition to his tourist visa he had also booked hotels and return flights.

The chairman of the home affairs select committee Keith Vaz admitted that a procedural review may be in order and that there was no logical explanation for Djimbonge to be repeatedly moved but never charged.

Djimbonge is a regular visitor to the UK for both business and pleasure, and has claimed the experience has left him traumatised and his dignity violated. He claims that he was a clear victim of racism and that he was singled out by officials because of his skin colour. On arriving in Belfast, he was searched by immigration officials who found a letter addressed to a man in Waterford which they claim was evidence of Djimbonge’s plan to enter the UK unlawfully. Police found nothing indicating any such attempt in the letter.

After being held in a Belfast police cell, Djimbonge was then boated to the Scottish immigration removal centre at Dungavel before being driven to Colnbrook near Heathrow. He was then relocated to Oakington and then back to Dungavel.