MP calls on minister to reconsider Rwanda asylum case

9.42.14am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 29th Apr 2009

John calls on Phil Woolas to reconsider

Withington MP John Leech met today with Minister of State for borders and immigration, Phil Woolas, to renew his calls for reconsideration of the asylum case of his constituent, Adela Mahoro Mugabo, who is threatened with deportation to Rwanda.

Adela fled Rwanda in 2002 following the murder of her husband, a Tutsi soldier who had given evidence against the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. Prior to her fleeing, however, Adela, a Hutu, was detained by Rwandan Military Intelligence accused of covering up for her husband's killers, tortured and raped. She was subsequently diagnosed as being HIV positive and is now dependent on a specialist mix of antiretroviral drugs.

Speaking after the meeting, John Leech, who has previously raised Adela's case during Prime Minister's Questions said:

"Adela's case has been dragging on for far too long now. I believe that she is a special case - the type of case for which the asylum system was made. She has serious health issues that can be far better addressed here than in Rwanda and there are serious doubts about her safety and access to the necessary medical treatment should she be made to go back to Rwanda."

"I had a very productive meeting with Mr Woolas today and I am hopeful that he will now reconsider Adela's case. I will certainly be keeping the pressure on him to keep her high on his agenda."

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Note to editors:

John Leech has previously raised Adela Mahoro Mugabo's case at Prime Minister's Questions: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080319/debtext/80319-0003.htm

He has also presented a petition to the House of Commons calling for Adela to be offered indefinite leave to remain in the UK: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080128/debtext/80128-0023.htm

For more details of the campaign to keep Adela in the UK, see http://www.asylum-seekers-defence.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Mahoro_Must_Stay_Campaign