A Glasgow-based journalist, who has twice faced deportation to his native Cameroon, has today been granted bail.
As reported on allmediascotland, Charles Atangana – an active member of the National Union of Journalists' Glasgow branch who has lived in Scotland for more than six years – was spared forced removal from the UK for a second time last week, after securing a temporary reprieve.
Now, the Cameroonian national has been released on bail for the next six weeks as he prepares his application for permission to seek a judicial review.
With the support of the NUJ – which today staged a protest outside the bail hearing in London, attracting approximately 30 supporters – Atangana is fighting deportation to his home country, amid fears for his safety.
In a message read out by union general secretary, Jeremy Dear, at today’s lobby, Atangana thanked supporters for all their campaigning efforts.
He said: “Please, let my trade union brothers and sisters in Glasgow know that I miss them and I know that they are working especially hard for my release.
“Yes, I’m an African, yes I’m a journalist – but I’m Glaswegian too and I want to go home – to Glasgow, where I belong.”
Meantime, NUJ Scottish Organiser, Paul Holleran, told allmediascotland: “This is just the first step towards Charles getting back to Glasgow where he belongs to a safe environment so that he can be with his friends.”
And in a statement released today, union president, Pete Murray, added: “This is incredible news and I'm sure I speak for all Charles' friends in Glasgow when I say that we can't wait to see him again.
“Winning bail for Charles gives us a six-week window in which to bring the full might of the labour movement to bear to finally remove the threat of deportation now hanging over him.”
