Tamils gathered in front of the Home Office, today, demanding an end to the deportation of Tamil asylum seekers. 

The protest follows news that a Tamil student in London has been refused asylum and may be subject to administrative removal.

In December 2017, a UN human rights group visited Sri Lanka and after receiving testimony stated that many returned asylum seekers were "beaten and kept under surveillance once released, and charged with offences relating to illegal departure from Sri Lanka".

A protester speaking to Tamil Guardian said:

"Britain must end the deportation of our brothers and sisters. The use of torture and sexual violence in Sri Lanka is systematic and has become the norm".

In Feb 2019, the ITJP took statements from 76 Tamils who say they were tortured - and in many cases sexually violated as well - in illegal detention from 2015-17 in Sri Lanka. 

Another protester said;

"Sri Lanka is unsafe if the UK continues deporting Tamil asylum seekers; they will essentially be issuing death sentences"

A further protester stated;

"The government is sending our families back, knowing that they will be tortured, raped or disappear"

One protester told Tamil Guardian;

"Sri Lanka is not an island paradise. The white van abductions; the use of torture and sexual violence; the attacks on Tamil journalists. Sri Lanka is hell!"

Protesters stood outside the Home Office and chanted;

"Priti Patel open your eyes! Don't deport our families!"
"Stop, stop deporting Tamils!"
"Boris Johnson shame on you!"