"Deportees 'at risk of abuse'" By Robert Verkaik, Home Affairs editor

24.08.2009 …

Par Asulon

Refugees deported from Britain are at risk of ill-treatment and abuse by immigration officers and security guards, a damning report into the system for removing immigrants and failed asylum seekers has found.

In most cases the use of force during the deportation process had the opposite effect and led to the removal attempt being abandoned.

The findings, published today by Anne Owers, the chief inspector of prisons, echo earlier concerns published in the Independent nearly two years ago.

Ms Owers' report also found "worrying gaps and weaknesses" in the system for complaints made by asylum seekers and in the monitoring of the removal process.

But of greatest concern was the inconsistent use of force by immigration officers as well as failures to provide medical help.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/removals-fail-if-force-is-used-1771197.html