Leader of City of Sanctuary Cllr Rob Stewart calls for release of Otis Bolamu

Council Leader and Patron of Stand Up To Racism in Swansea,  Cllr Rob Stewart, gives his backing to the nationwide campaign urging the Home Office to return Otis Bolamu to Swansea.

 Cllr Rob Stewart said:

‘Like many people I was disturbed to hear of the circumstances of Mr Bolamu’s removal from Swansea in December.

 Otis Bolamu is an asylum seeker from DR Congo, living in Swansea whilst making his claim to remain. He was taken from his bed at 4.00am on 20th December and threatened with deportation on Christmas Day even though his life is a risk if he is sent back to DRC.

 The Home Office then said  they would not deport Mr Bolamu ‘in the immediate future’ but since that time he has remained in detention at Brook House Gatwick pending a fresh claim  and continues to be anxious about his future.

By the end of December over 10,000 signature had been collected calling for his release and return to Swansea.

 He is an active member of his church, a committed and reliable volunteer at the Oxfam bookshop, sings in a local choir and is widely liked and respected as someone trying to take part in the community life of Swansea.

Cllr Stewart said:

‘I am joining the call for his immediate release and a speedy resolution of his asylum claim. We pride ourselves on being a City of Sanctuary and I hope this can be resolved so Mr Bolamu can return to live his life in Swansea.’