This week Unlocking Detention has been ‘visiting’ Yarl’s Wood detention centre – perhaps the best known of all the UK’s sites of detention, and which will once again be the site of protest on 3 December.
Earlier this week, Ben from Detention Action conducted a Q&A with ‘Mayalex’ who is currently detained in Yarl’s Wood. We tweeted the interview live this afternoon (Friday).
Here’s the whole interview, and the thoughts of others joining in the conversation:
Lots of great questions for interview with Mayalex from @Right_to_Remain and @Rene_Cassin #Unlocked16 detention workshop. Thank you!
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
So, the first question for Mayalex who is right now detained in Yarl's Wood. Did you ever expect to be in this situation? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/H0pgUuxyzQ
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: I thought I would be in a hostel, not like this. When I realised you cannot do this & that I realise it is a prison I am in. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/8m1y3FgRqo
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Been encountering this a lot recently – many people at risk of detention have no idea what it is, how it happens. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/JETikSZ1e4
— LisaLeziza (@LisaLeziza) November 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/EiriOhtani/status/802151689805438976
Next question for Mayalex,asked at last week's @Right_to_Remain @Rene_Cassin workshop.Do you have regular access to your lawyer? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/xT4axrBVC9
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: You can put your name at the legal surgery. But I came in May & I had to wait till September to see a solicitor. Long time.. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/xq39q8gqd5
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Immigration detention stops people accessing justice, blocked from establishing right to remain in UK #Unlocked16 #EndDetention https://t.co/GNVSWKufHD
— Right to Remain (@Right_to_Remain) November 25, 2016
We've shared a lot about vistors to detention this week in #Unlocked16. Question for Mayalex: do you have many visitors? pic.twitter.com/t4CGfkdzkY
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: The 1st year, no. But the 2nd & 3rd I did. Yarls Wood Befrienders started to come see me. And my family & friends as well. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/W5xZlRdny9
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
We shared this great video by @GreenSarahCope this week https://t.co/gr1IaFbKPx Visitors are a vital life-line #Unlocked16 https://t.co/iTC8SzpO5D
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
We also published great blog by Jess @YWBefrienders on friendship,inspiration & challenges of visiting https://t.co/a7Qz6zP61R #Unlocked16 https://t.co/iTC8SzpO5D
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Next question for Mayalex, detained in Yarl's Wood – What’s the longest someone has spent in Yarl’s Wood that you’re aware of? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/r948U0Mu32
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: I hear there was a Chinese girl over 3 years. But I am the current longest detainee now. I’ve been here two years six months. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/gAJsse2zEL
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
TWO YEARS SIX MONTHS (and counting). Try and imagine what that feels like. Such harm and waste of life #Unlocked16 https://t.co/sA6scjMljb
— LisaLeziza (@LisaLeziza) November 25, 2016
Next question for Mayalex, again from @Right_to_Remain @Rene_Cassin workshop participant #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/yK0i3F8h25
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: The support I get from outside. This is critical. It's overwhelming support that is keeping me going. I cannot let them down. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/O8xaF7V1Ct
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Good to hear of overwhelming support from outside. #Solidarity crucial. Detention designed to isolate people, make them give up #Unlocked16 https://t.co/qLq6IwIy97
— LisaLeziza (@LisaLeziza) November 25, 2016
We interviewed Mayalex, detained in Yarl's Wood for 2 yrs 6 months so far. Brilliant questions (from the public) & responses #Unlocked16
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
30 months! Completely unneccesary and completely unjustifiable #Unlocked16 #StillTime4aTimeLimit https://t.co/TJPxLiE3jR
— Jon Featonby (@jonfeatonby) November 25, 2016
Detention for 2.5 years?! The unacceptable state of our immigration system. @AmberRudd_MP et al should be ashamed. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/aetCi3QjMf
— Minnie Rahman (@minnierahman) November 25, 2016
Perhaps unsurprising this question came up after our first workshop with @Rene_Cassin was all about how unfair asylum/immigration system is! https://t.co/HMPYYdffZ1
— Right to Remain (@Right_to_Remain) November 25, 2016
Great question for Mayalex up next: Why do you the immigration process system is the way it is? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/rCv3TPYPIJ
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M (1/2): What I realised here is immigration don’t believe us, they don’t listen to us. Meantime, they also make big mistakes… #Unlocked16 https://t.co/y26jcKpIQw
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Mayalex: The system is unjust at its root. Your circumstances are not relevant. Rape, torture, trafficking, nothing matters. #Unlocked16
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Another great question: What piece advice would you give someone who was being taken to Yarl’s Wood for the first time? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/4oMEIvJrcF
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: Get/receive information. It can be tough but try to make friends. We help eachother in here but you must come out your room. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/NitL7Mls2E
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Fascinating question up next for Mayalex,detained in Yarl's Wood: What has been the reaction in Yarl’s Wood to Trump’s election? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/WPOIWETMWw
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: We don’t like. I don’t like what he said about migrants & feel sorry there is no female president. I want to give her a hug. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/tEXR7UyXmf
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
We crowdsource all the questions for #Unlocked16 Q and A. This is a great one for Mayalex: What can I do for you/help you? pic.twitter.com/orvvV3YhHB
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: Writing letters, keep encouragement, talking, making you feel…alive…That we are together with you, outside and inside. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/f55Zm8CxiI
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
This is a great action for friends, community, support groups which we mention in our Toolkit https://t.co/BtY6goL66b #Unlocked16 https://t.co/k4QJAQEuxc
— Right to Remain (@Right_to_Remain) November 25, 2016
Next question for Mayalex, on the oft-raised issue of UK govt subcontracting the running of detention to private companies #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/ah88VUU0K1
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: Yes. We are treated like cattle here. And we are human. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/STmyUxCyid
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Mayalex, what’s one thing you miss from the outside world? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/ZpUdx1sFPw
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: Freedom, the most important thing in anyone’s life. And when the doors close, life is over. No price you can pay for freedom. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/flSIXS4k2y
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
What a powerful answer.These words,of those denied freedom right now,in the past & at risk in the future,must be our battle cry #Unlocked16 https://t.co/2dKbcjRe6V
— LisaLeziza (@LisaLeziza) November 25, 2016
Important question,in these troubled times.What do those detained feel about the anti-migrant feeling on the rise at the moment? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/2c32U4TgL0
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: We fear Theresa May like they fear Trump. I think she’s in denial. She knows detention is wrong but she keeps a blind eye. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/Nz0lKTNp9Y
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
She's been working on the blind eye for a long time https://t.co/jeCN0NJCAj
— Heather Jones BCA ???? (@Heather_Jones5) November 25, 2016
A question for Mayalex in Yarl's Wood, from a worried member of the public: Do you feel loved/cared for by the British public? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/2GH2VKXtgU
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: There are people that care but most of them, no, I don’t think the care. Especially now. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/5FV7N5rLEj
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
This is what we must change. The public must care for this human rights abuse on a massive scale to end. #Unlocked16 #TheseWallsMustFall https://t.co/CuJkMnHsv6
— Right to Remain (@Right_to_Remain) November 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/EiriOhtani/status/802177725012160512
Next question for Mayalex, about getting the voices out of detention: What do you want people to know? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/2dyz49Qjlz
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: There is no duty of care here. We are neglected. Officers are more focused on Christmas shopping.We only have each other here #Unlocked16 https://t.co/RJVuHNp4Ah
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Mayalex has been detained for 2.5 years. A difficult, but vital question from a member of the public: #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/kQdwvwAfcJ
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: Oh my god! I would be with my daughter, probably take her to school, cooking, clean the house, keep myself busy, being happy. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/tVJZFUp0JO
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Sometimes the best questions are the simplest ones. Q for Mayalex, detained in Yarl's Wood: How many people sleep in each room? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/0pnG6mAuqI
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: Most are two beds in each room. It can be very difficult. People have different issues. It is a place of life and death. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/GFbt9TWUnx
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Next question for Mayalex in Yarl's Wood is about the @followMFJ demo there on 3 December … #Unlocked16 https://t.co/N9kU351cXO pic.twitter.com/r6FJNertmM
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: We love it! We get so excited by it! We are crying, screaming, shouting. It is a time we are standing up for ourselves. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/z1GP33kS8C
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: The officers don’t like it. Last time they closed the unit where you could see the protestors. It was painful for me. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/z1GP33kS8C
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
What the @followMFJ demo's at Yarl's Wood mean to Mayalex, currently detained there. Next one 3 Dec https://t.co/4y7dhwZGkA #Unlocked16 https://t.co/Js8advIxyK
— Right to Remain (@Right_to_Remain) November 25, 2016
Q for Mayalex: Do you get the sense that more and more people are engaged in fighting detention since @followMFJ protests began? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/3dS82QMTKB
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: Yes, we know more people are coming, caring about us. It makes us fight more. To not give up. We cry and fight together. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/Ao5kJAXkoU
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
If you need any persuading to go to 3Dec @followMFJ Yarl's Wood demo … (or to pay for someone else to) #Unlocked16 https://t.co/PkaPHLQWgn https://t.co/OXrytUMSwO
— LisaLeziza (@LisaLeziza) November 25, 2016
Next question for Mayalex: If there was one important bit of change you could make here, what would it be? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/WXBHLJFFPM
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: All the detention centres in the UK – close it down. When I am released I want more people to know re. reality of detention. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/VA3KQ60MYc
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Another question for Mayalex from @Right_to_Remain @Rene_Cassin workshop: How often do you feel hopeful? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/E7g2pZky7I
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: You have to be prepared but also positive. I get depressed & think I will go back. But then I think no, my daughter, I can’t. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/bVUcFocrdv
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Next question for Mayalex: What is the worst thing you’ve seen in detention? #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/NzHdQWCgHG
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: When they bring in disabled people, who cannot help themselves. People who should never be detained…it breaks my heart #Unlocked16 https://t.co/AiPQPd5oOp
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Nearly the last question for Mayalex in Yarl's Wood (but not quite!): What is the impact of no time-limit on detention? #Unlocked16
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: There's no need to detain people so long.Everyday is a waste of life. After 2months here I saw a notice about a girl.. [cont] #Unlocked16 https://t.co/DtzB55IAeo
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
… from Jamaica who died here. That’s when I woke up. I have to be careful. I realise I must be strong to survive here. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/3hG7zOgmBO
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Final question for Mayalex in Yarl's Wood: What would you say to Theresa May if you had the chance? #Unlocked16
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
M: I want her to come to Yarl’s Wood and feeeel it! I want her to know how we are living here. Let her put herself in my shoes. #Unlocked16 https://t.co/cMBonMicmL
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016
Thank you so much Mayalex for sharing your time and answering the public's questions! Here's a message from one of them #Unlocked16 pic.twitter.com/99uQMVHwO0
— TheDetentionForum (@DetentionForum) November 25, 2016