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Following appeals last week to the Home Secretary to stop the deportation of a family fleeing persecution under the blasphemy laws in Pakistan, the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham has heard that the family’s case is to be reviewed. However, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, said he is still very concerned for their welfare and is now asking for the Government to urgently look into the family’s rights in the light of article 8 of the Human Rights Act (1998), as they are still being held at a Detention Centre many miles from their home in Nottingham. Bishop George said he is now asking the Home Secretary for their urgent release from detention so that they are able to return to their home in Nottingham and be granted refugee status. He said: “We all fear for their safety and well being if they are forced to return to Pakistan and hope this review will recognise their plight and give them refugee status. " In the meantime the Bishop believes the family should be released from the detention centre where they are being held. He said; “They are a family who has already begun the process of integration into the community and are offering their skills on a voluntary basis. Julian has many years of experience as a lay minister in the Church of Pakistan, and is currently being trained as a recognised lay minister in our Diocese. He offers considerable leadership and linguistic skills and, with Aima and Jonathan, he makes an invaluable contribution to our multi-cultural church as it seeks to further build community cohesion in the local area. The family have many friends and a church family here and their absence is a loss to these people." The Singh’s case is due to be reviewed within the next 9 days.
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