Press Release: Cardiff Gay Radical Artist Asylum Seeker Snatched!

Babakhan Badalov, (Babi) the openly gay, internationally renowned radical artist and poet from Azerbaijan was arrested this morning while signing on at the UK Border Agency Offices in Cardiff.

Babi went for his weekly sign-in with friends from the Keep Babi Safe in Cardiff Campaign. When he did not come back out of the building campaigners became concerned and enquired after his well-being only to be told he had been detained and would be removed from the country as soon as possible.

At the time of writing he is at Rumney Police station, though he may be moved to one of the UK’s detention prisons at any time. A friend has been able to visit him in custody.

Babi was already in a very fragile mental state before his arrest, and No Borders South Wales can report that he was a complete wreck when a friend and member of the campaign was able to visit him in the police cell. Friend and activist Hywel Bishop said:

“I’ve never seen anyone so scared. If Babi gets sent home he faces persecution from the state for his art, beatings from the local community, as well as the threat of honour killing from his family because they can’t live with the fact that he’s gay.”

Typically Babi was also mindful of his art, and was concerned that his detention would stand in the way of his upcoming exhibition in Cardiff’s TactileBOSCH studio on 27th September and 14th October.

When he was informed that he was going to be detained and deported Babi responded by saying:

“I feel sick”

To which the UK Border agent told him:

“well you make us sick, you’re going back where you belong”

Babi had the appeal to his asylum refusal rejected at the end of July and has been in the process of filing a fresh claim with new evidence of the danger he would face back in Azerbaijan. Alarming new witness statements detailing Babi’s history of violent persecution have also recently came to light, which would allow him to make a very strong fresh claim for asylum.

Furthermore, his solicitor has only recently been able to find medical experts to corroborate evidence of neurological and psychological damage, effecting his increasingly deteriorating mental health. All of which has delayed the lodging of his fresh claim.

There will be a protest against Babi’s incarceration outside of the place where he was grabbed; the UK Border Agency offices at 31-33 Newport Road, Cardiff at 12noon, tomorrow Wednesday 17th September. All are welcome.

This protest will only last one hour so people can come along in their lunch-breaks. Please show your support with any banners or placards that you are able to make.

There have been several previous pickets of these offices, and recently there was a demonstration for Babi at Cardiff Pride. More information on Babi’s story and continuing fight to stay in the UK can be found here.

Babi’s campaign has gained the support of writer and playwright Patrick Jones, Leanne Wood AM, Bethan Jenkins AM, Chris Bryant MP, Cardiff Council Leader Rodney Berman and Deputy Leader Neil McEvoy.

The news that Babi have been snatched has already made waves across the internet with reports on Queers United, Unzipped: Gay Armenia, Luther Ap Blisset, Cardiff Radical Socialist Forum, LGBT Asylum News, Bristol Indymedia, Permanent Revolution and Urban75.

What you can do to help Babi stay

Please come along to the protest tomorrow, please spread the message of Babi’s situation to anyone who might be able to help or offer support!

Use this model campaign letter to copy/amend or write your own letter to the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, asking her to allow Babi to stay safe in Cardiff. Hand-written letters can be more effective, if you have the time. Remember to quote the Home Office ref. number: B1234623

Send to: Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP, Secretary of State for the Home Department,
Mail: 3rd Floor Peel Buildings, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
Fax: 020 8760 3132 (00 44 20 8760 3132 if you are faxing from outside UK)
E-mail: jacqui.smith@homeoffice.gov.uk
Sign: the online petition.

Collect signatures using Babi campaign petition
Distribute information about the campaign using the Babi campaign flyer

Please send any copies of letters/faxes to:

Friends of Babi Badalov
c/o Refugee Voice Wales, 389 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 1TP

or let us know of any e-mails, faxes or letters you’ve sent.