Fate of Iraqi deportees still undecided

The controversial transportation saga of some 30 Iraqi deportees back to their homeland continues after almost all were denied re-entry upon landing in Baghdad.

The UK charter flight which sparked widespread condemnation by human rights groups and which was initially a joint effort in collaboration with the French government landed at Baghdad Airport last Thursday but only 10 of the passengers were granted access. According to the UK Border Agency an additional flight would be scheduled but no date has been set as yet. Baghdad violence remains high and detainees have expressed grave fears for their safety.

A spokesperson for the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees confirmed that all of those who are in limbo are frightened of a return.

Meanwhile, Parliament Square has seen scores of protestors boycott the deportation citing safety concerns. Inside Parliament a motion was presented by Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell for delaying the flights which so far has the signature of a dozen fellow members. The motion will not be subject to parliamentary debate but is instead designed to draw attention to the ongoing drama. The motion highlights the plight of innocents being forced into a war zone fraught with hardship, violence and death.

According to some reports, the deportees were handcuffed for the journey and accompanied by up to 80 security personnel. Some have even hinted at mistreatment onboard.

The refusal on the part of Iraqi authorities to accept many of those on board was believed to be in part due to their inability to confirm their identities. One Iraqi official believed that some had claimed Iraqi citizenship on arrival in the UK to better assist their asylum seeking.

The Home Office were adamant that the issue is one for Iraq to resolve and would shortly fly the remaining passengers back to Baghdad, the first time such a mission has been undertaken in six years to the capital.