DAY AND FINLEY MUST ADDRESS HUNGER STRIKE AT
KINGSTON IMMIGRATION HOLDING CENTRE IMMEDIATELY SAYS SIKSAY

OTTAWA - NDP Citizenship and Immigration Critic Bill Siksay, (MP Burnaby Douglas) today called on Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to immediately address the conditions of detention and the serious health issues facing security certificate detainees on a hunger strike at the Kingston Immigration Holding Centre (KIHC)

“The situation at the KIHC is deplorable and continues to deteriorate,” said Siksay. Mohammad Mahjoub, has gone without food for 62 days, and Mahmoud Jaballah and Hassan Almrei have been without food for 51 days.”

Siksay supports the call of almost 70 health professionals and organizations for urgent action to address the situation. In a letter to Day, the health professionals express their deep concerns for the men and KIHC’s refusal to monitor their vital signs and general health status.

“It is completely unacceptable that the medical needs of the hunger strikers are being neglected. They are at risk for a variety of life-threatening disorders and must receive immediate medical attention,” said Siksay. “Mr. Mahjoub has not received treatment for Hepatitis C since September 2006. We have an obligation to provide them with adequate health care.”

The men, who have been held for five and six years under security certificates without charge, conviction, or knowing the evidence against them, are protesting their conditions of detention.

“They are simply seeking important improvements in conditions at KIHC, including protection from harassment by guards, access to their families and to medical care”, said Siksay. “Minister Day and Minister Finley must act responsibly and intervene immediately to find a resolution that end’s this hunger strike.”

This is not the first time Siksay has called for direct ministerial intervention to end the hunger strike. Siksay has also tabled a motion in the House of Commons calling for the repeal of the security certificates process.

For more information please contact:
Office of Bill Siksay 613-996-5599